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Compact Raman Sensor for Underwater Explosives Detection

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
92478 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
N091-046-0988 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
NAVY 09-046 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Agiltron Corporation
15 Presidential Way Woburn, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Compact Raman Sensor for Underwater Explosives Detection
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N00024-10-C-4180
Award Amount: $299,996.00
 

Abstract:

We propose to develop a compact, marine-deployable chemical sensor for the underwater detection of explosives using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS is a well known tool for chemical identification, down to the single molecule level of sensitivity that provides some unique advantages for the present topic. These include application to aqueous environments, sensitive to all classes of explosives (nitro, peroxide, etc), proven trace detection capability in water, and no sample preparation or extraction required. For these reasons we propose to develop a prototype SERS sensor unit for underwater explosives detection in a configuration consistent with the size, power, and other specifications required to allow utilization with the Navy HULS and DHINS programs. In order to provide the optimum sensitivity for trace explosive detection we plan to utilize an integrated gold nanosurface SERS detector, a design based on the Company''s proprietary SERS chip technology. In principle, any explosive agents or their residue in seawater that comes in contact with the gold sampling surface will be detectable via a characteristic vibrational signature of that analyte. We expect that the full range of explosive contaminants which might be potentially encountered in the marine environment will be amenable to this approach.

Principal Investigator:

Wayne Weimer
Principal Scientist
7819351200
wweimer@agiltron.com

Business Contact:

Amanda Contardo
Administrative Assistant
7819351200
acontardo@agiltron.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Agiltron Corporation
15 Cabot Road Woburn, MA 01801

EIN/Tax ID: 043490947
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No