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Micro-Fluidic Spectrometer for Measuring Groundwater Contamination

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-12ER90299
Agency Tracking Number: 98751
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 08 a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000577
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-11-19
Small Business Information
NM Suite E-11
Santa Fe, NM 87505-3993
United States
DUNS: 153579891
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Hovde
 Dr.
 (505) 984-1322
 dchovde@swsciences.com
Business Contact
 Alan Stanton
Title: Dr.
Phone: (505) 984-1322
Email: astanton@swsciences.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DOEs efforts to monitor legacy sites for groundwater contamination would benefit from turn-key systems that can measure metal contaminant concentrations in situ. Southwest Sciences proposes to develop a micro-fluidic sensor for measuring heavy metals in groundwater by measuring their uv-visible spectra. High sensitivity will be obtained using cavity enhanced spectroscopy. A novel cavity enhanced optical detection method will be demonstrated that will allow operation at the short photon lifetimes characteristic of cavities in micro-fluidic channels. The objectives of the Phase I research include (1) demonstrating the detection approach using a conventional cavity, (2) developing a micro-cavity with the novel detection method, (3) using this system to measure chromium concentrations, and (4) outlining the design of a fully-engineered system. In Phase II the micro-cavity will be incorporated with micro-fluidic pumps and filters to provide a complete sensor system. The Phase II effort will culminate with tests at a DOE facility. In Phase III we will address a wide range of industrial and environmental monitoring applications.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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