SBIR Phase I: Automated Identification and Rapid Detection of Explosives Using Piezoresistive Micro- and Nano-Cantilever Arrays

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段的研究项目开发了一种廉价，坚固的压阻微悬臂梁传感器阵列，用于爆炸物和毒素检测，具有无线数据传输能力。传感器可以通过由于分析物吸收或结合引起的传感器材料的电子性质的变化来识别分析物。通过使用对不同爆炸物表现出高度灵敏度和选择性的超柔顺涂层聚合物，灵敏度和检测限显著提高。超薄金属压阻传感器嵌入到悬臂中，以实现静态和动态测量。与用于检测爆炸物的微型气相色谱系统和基于膜的传感器阵列相比，所提出的传感器具有几个优点，包括低成本的制造工艺、对于较低检测限的较高灵敏度以及用于吸收来自简易爆炸装置（IED）的化学蒸气的高度选择性的涂层材料。爆炸物的远程探测系统对国土安全非常重要。这一拟议中的传感器有可能使低成本和可靠的手持系统远程爆炸物探测或帮助开发无线爆炸物传感网络的货物，建筑物和其他安全需求。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops an inexpensive, rugged piezo-resistive micro-cantilever sensor array for explosives and toxins detection with the ability for wireless data transmission. The sensor can identify analytes by changes in the electronic properties of the sensor material due to analyte absorption or binding. The sensitivities and detection limits are significantly improved by using ultra-compliant coated polymers that show a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity to different explosives. Ultrathin metallic piezo-resistive sensors are embedded into the cantilevers to enable both static and dynamic measurements. Compared to micro gas chromatographic systems and film based sensor arrays for detection of explosives, the sensor proposed has several advantages including a low-cost fabrication process, higher sensitivity for lower detection limits, and highly selective coating materials for absorption of chemical vapors from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Remote detection systems for explosives are of great concern for homeland security. This proposed sensor can potentially enable low-cost and reliable handheld systems for remote explosive detection or help develop wireless explosive sensing networks for cargos, buildings and other security needs.This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).