SBIR Phase II: Ultrasensitive, Real-Time Explosives Sensor

这项小型企业创新研究（SBIR）二期研究项目旨在开发一种新的超灵敏激光爆炸物探测系统（EDS）。该系统将能够在与目前机场使用的现有乘客检查系统相当的时间内迅速探测和区分常见爆炸物材料。提出的EDS技术是基于一种新的、快速和广泛可调谐的激光系统与一种新的光腔增强吸收方法的结合。研究工作包括构建和测试该系统的台式版本，该系统适合用于中红外，其中爆炸物可以通过其特征光谱特征检测到。如果成功，该仪器将能够大大超过现有商用EDS传感器的灵敏度水平，并有可能提供一个正交传感器平台。该传感器将适用于乘客、行李和货物筛查应用，并将专门设计为集成为现有筛查系统的插入式替代或并行技术。除了推进激光技术外，该项目还具有通过确保公众更安全的交通而造福社会的潜力。具有高吸收灵敏度的快速扫描中红外光谱区域的能力将能够快速检测许多痕量化学物质，包括有毒工业化学品，化学战剂和工业污染物。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project seeks to develop a new, ultrasensitive laser based explosives detection system (EDS). The system will be capable of rapidly detecting and discriminating among common explosives materials in a timescale commensurate with that of existing passenger screening systems that are presently used in airports. The proposed EDS technology is based on a combination of a new, rapidly and widely tunable laser system with a novel optical cavity enhanced absorption method. The research effort comprises constructing and testing a bench top version of the system that is suitably configured for use in the middle infrared, where explosives can be detected via their characteristic spectral signatures. If successful, the instrument will be capable of significantly exceeding the sensitivity level of existing commercial EDS sensors, as well as potentially providing an orthogonal sensor platform.The sensor will be suitable for passenger, baggage, and cargo screening applications, and will be engineered specifically for integration as a plug-in replacement or parallel technology to existing screening systems. In addition to advancing laser technology, the project has the potential to benefit society by assuring safer transportation to the general public. The ability to rapidly scan the middle infrared spectral region with high absorption sensitivity will enable the rapid detection of numerous trace chemical species including toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, and industrial pollutants.