The military has identified a need for a low cost, lightweight sensor for standoff detection that can be mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance, or delivered to remote locations for unattended operation. The overall goal of this effort is to develop a low cost lightweight standoff detection device to detect chemical agents passing over it.  The device would be delivered by aircraft and operate in unattended, clandestine applications ranging from an early warning device for approaching clouds, to a remote observer of chemical warfare activity.  The sensor is based on passive infrared emission signatures of chemical agents. 

Foster-Miller's approach includes a novel high throughput spectrometer for standoff chemical agent detection, eliminating the cost, complexity, computer processor and temperature/vibration stability requirements associated with fixed grating and interferometer based approaches. It features no moving parts and a low-cost, high sensitivity uncooled linear array detector. Optical performance capabilities approach those of much larger, more expensive FTIR instruments, making it possible to passively detect chemical agent plumes against a cold sky background. The entire spectrometer, including optics and electronics, will be smaller than a VHS tape cassette and weigh less than 2 lb.

In the first stage, we designed and fabricated a laboratory breadboard "wedge" spectrometer and measured optical performance in a laboratory environment. Our breadboard met technical objectives and demonstrated the feasibility of detecting chemical agents. We are using the results to design a complete engineering prototype spectrometer and test it under simulated field conditions. Based on field test results, we expect rapid transition to commercial manufacture.

Return to Process Systems Design

Printable Version