Award Data

We propose a new trace explosive collection and detection technique comprising Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sampling chip and cell design of permeable/porous polymer matrix embedded with multi-layered gold nano-particles. The approach leverages the leading-edge micro-optical component development and manufacture at Agiltron and extensive experience in nano-material engineering within t ...

Agiltron proposes to demonstrate a breakthrough detector for readout of scintillators for gamma ray detection that overcomes the quantum efficiency and high voltage limits of current PMTs and APDs. It holds the promise to improve the current scintillator detector resolution by at least 30 percent without the need for a high voltage power supply, and can be fabricated at a low cost. This new photom ...

Gamma-ray spectrometers consisting of inorganic scintillators coupled to optical detectors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are an important element of the systems that are used to monitor and prevent the spread of special nuclear materials. Two very important requirements for the scintillation detectors used as gamma-ray spectrometers in homeland security monitoring include high sensitivity a ...

Radioactive materials are used in commercially important analytical instruments because of the ability of ionizing radiation to excite characteristic x-ray fluorescence lines. Radiation sources are often the most practical method for portable instruments, such as analyzers for lead paint in homes. There are many other applications, including the rapidly growing area of RoHS manufacturing. This eff ...

There is an acute need for a networked chemical sensor that is inexpensive enough to allow it to be treated as a disposable item - deployed and left in-place until the end of its useful life, or until operations move out of communications range. Electrochemical microarray sensors can be fabricated at low enough unit cost to make the development of a disposable sensor node feasible. These sensors ...

Sample preparation has been recognized as the single most important challenge to be faced in the development of detect-to-warn (DTW) systems (NRC, 2005). Available commercial sample preparation technologies are expensive, slow (30 min to 2 hours) and require trained laboratory technicians for operation. Addressing this need, we propose to design, fabricate, demonstrate, and validate a novel integr ...

Current bioaerosol monitoring and evaluation systems are largely based on collection of airborne pathogens in a liquid medium, followed by the detection of the targets of interest. While available aerosol collection technologies employ large collection volumes, biosensors are capable of processing only a small fraction of the collection volume. Our overall objective is to design and demonstrate a ...

Our solution to the automated feature extraction problem will leverage the material properties that can be inferred from combining multispectral imagery with high resolution elevation data or LIDAR data using a trainable knowledge base. Multiple imaging bands provide a more complete picture of the material involved than ordinary RGB. This can help distinguish between a green grass lawn and a gre ...

Given recent man-made and naturally occurring catastrophic events such as the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the effect of Hurricane Katrina, it is apparent that an emergency responder¿s ability to successfully manage and mitigate critical incidents is becoming of increasing importance. Training through live exercises is burdened by limits on availability as well as high costs in financial and per ...

As the trace detection portal systems being deployed into the airport check points, detecting explosives from airline passengers has become possible. In this proposal, we use a sample collection method that is similar to the one used in the portal systems; however, instead of using large scale air handling system to release, collection, and transport samples to the detector, we decided to bring th ...