Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc. (Nevada Nano) has developed a multi-sensor solution to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) detection that combines the Molecular Property Spectrometer™ (MPS™)—a micro-electro-mechanical chip-based technology capable of measuring a variety of thermodynamic and electrostatic molecular properties of sampled vapors and particles—and a compact, high-resolution, solid-state gamma spectrometer module for identifying radioactive materials, including isotopes used in dirty bombs and nuclear weapons. By conducting multiple measurements, the system can provide a more complete characterization of an unknown sample, leading to a more accurate identification. Positive identifications of threats are communicated using an integrated wireless module. Currently, system development is focused on detection of commercial, military and improvised explosives, radioactive materials, and chemical threats. The system can be configured for a variety of CBRNE applications, including handheld wands and swab-type threat detectors requiring short sample times, and ultra-high sensitivity detectors in which longer sampling times are used. Here we provide an overview of the system design and operation and present results from preliminary testing.
Unattended sensing applications necessitate robust, compact, low-cost, low-power sensor units. The microcantilever-based Self-Sensing Array (SSA) technology developed by Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc. (NNTS) is a strong candidate for such units. SSA technology is expected to provide the selectivity, sensitivity, durability, low cost, and low power needed for unattended sensors and sensor networks. The sensor employs a variety of sensor coatings and the ability to analyze the electrical and thermal properties of molecules on the cantilevers. This so-called Lab-on-a-TipTM technology could lead to enhanced chemical identification capabilities of the trace detection platform.
The ultimate problem for trace detection is sampling. More sensors are needed in more places to successfully tackle the sampling problem-especially for low vapor pressure explosives that are difficult to detect from a distance. To solve this problem, compact, inexpensive, and robust systems are needed that have not sacrificed sensitivity or selectivity to achieve their goals. In response, Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc (NNTS) is developing microcantilever-based Self-Sensing Array™ (SSA) technology that will measure trace concentrations of explosives, toxic chemicals, and biological agent signatures in air. Ultimately, this technology could enable a device that would measure about two cubic inches, run on a small watch battery and cost a few hundred dollars. This paper compares the selectivity of SSA technology to other detection technologies using the metric of orthogonal channel capacity (OCC).
In an unattended, implanted or mobile ground sensor scenario, the microcantilever platform is well suited: sensor power consumption has been demonstrated at the nanowatt level and, as a microelectromechanical system, the platform is inherently compact. In addition, the remarkable sensitivity, low cost, scalability, durability and versatility of microcantilever sensors make this technology among the most promising solutions for unattended ground sensing of chemical and biological agents, as well as explosives. Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc (NNTS) is developing a microcantilever- based detection system that will measure trace concentrations of explosives, toxic chemicals, and biological agents in air. A baseline sensor unit that includes the sensor array, electronics, power supply and air handling has been designed and preliminary demonstrations of the microcantilever platform have been conducted. The envisioned device would measure about two cubic inches, run on a small watch battery and cost a few hundred dollars. Finally, the NNTS microcantilever sensor has potential as a multifunctional transducer for enhancing detection and discrimination. Recent test results using this platform will be discussed.
In an unattended implanted or mobile ground sensor scenario, the microcantilever platform is well suited: sensor power consumption has been demonstrated at the nanowatt level and, as a microelectromechanical system, the platform is inherently compact. In addition, the remarkable sensitivity, low cost, scalability, and versatility of microcantilever sensors make this technology among the most promising solutions for unattended ground sensing of chemical and biological agents, as well as explosives. The University of Nevada, Reno, and Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc (NNTS) are currently developing a microcantilever-based detection system that will measure trace concentrations of explosives, toxic chemicals, and biological agents in air. A baseline sensor unit that includes the sensor array, electronics, power supply and air handling has been designed and preliminary demonstrations of the microcantilever platform have been conducted. The envisioned device would measure about two cubic inches, run on a small watch battery and cost a few hundred dollars. This first design is tailored to shipping container monitoring, but is a broadly applicable device for passive or active monitoring scenarios.
The remarkable sensitivity, compactness, low cost, low power-consumption, scalability, and versatility of microcantilever sensors make this technology among the most promising solutions for detection of chemical and biological agents, as well as explosives. The University of Nevada, Reno, and Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc (NNTS) are currently developing a microcantilever-based detection system that will measure trace concentrations of explosives, toxic chemicals, and biological agents in air. A baseline sensor unit design that includes the sensor array, electronics, power supply and air handling has been created and preliminary demonstrations of the microcantilever platform have been conducted. The envisioned device would measure about two cubic inches, run on a small watch battery and cost a few hundred dollars. The device could be operated by untrained law enforcement personnel. Microcantilever-based devices could be used to “sniff out” illegal and/or hazardous chemical and biological agents in high traffic public areas, or be packaged as a compact, low-power system used to monitor cargo in shipping containers. Among the best detectors for such applications at present is the dog, an animal which is expensive, requires significant training and can only be made to work for limited time periods. The public is already accustomed to explosives and metal detection systems in airports and other public venues, making the integration of the proposed device into such security protocols straightforward.
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