Award Data

"The objective of this Phase II proposal is to develop a hand-portable waterless decontamination system based on Reactive Nanoparticle Technology to address chemical and biological threats. Currently fielded chemical warfare decontamination technologieseither rely on harsh oxidants (such as bleach) or logistically complicated bulky, equipment (such as high temperature pressure washers). An ideal ...

We will continue developing a plasmonic metamaterial with strong absorption within a narrow band that is dynamically tunable over the 8-10 micron range. A metamaterial consisting of one or more bi-layers of thin metal and dielectric films will trap, concentrate and absorb a narrow frequency band while strongly reflecting out-of-band light. Tuning the frequency of the absorption band may be achiev ...

Current bolometers are broadband detectors and tend to absorb broad IR spectrum for thermal imaging. A key issue with these systems is the lack of sensitivity of the sensors in target detection due to blackbody radiation limit. As a result, one of the many important applications such as low concentration chemical detection cannot be performed. A solution to this problem is to employ cryogenic syst ...

"The importance of DNA/RNA-based assays for detection of biological warfare agents, identification of diseases, genome sequencing, and environmental control is enormous and will inevitably increase. The challenge is the development of low cost andportable methods for sequencing DNA and RNA extracted from surfaces and fluids, to recognize exposure to biowarfare agents. All the conventional techn ...

Defense against chemical weapons is a critical DoD requirement. An effective defense requires the development of a combination of unique clothing systems that provide a physical barrier to toxic vapors, liquids, and aerosols, as well as a system to detect chemical threats. Protective clothing and detection systems currently exist, but ideally the detection equipment should be miniaturized and int ...

Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI), proposes to develop and demonstrate a next generation integrated electrophoretic nanofluidic biochip (INTRay-Nanochip) sensor platform for the"label-less"THz spectroscopy finger printing of biological species and agents. In the proposed Phase II of this program, ROI will focus on the engineering development of a manufacturable optical nanolithography technology to enable ...

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction presents a serious security threat to U.S. and allied personnel around the world. Military warfighters and first responders must be prepared to operate under a wide range of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments while having the capacity to rapidly respond to these potential threats. CBRN protective gloves offer a first ...

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with brain swelling and increased cerebral blood volume, as well as focal cerebral perfusion deficits, variable levels of cerebral blood flow and cerebral vasculitis. The net result is increased intracranial pressure (ICP) along with significant risk of brain tissue herniation and ischemic syndromes. ICP monitoring is critical in the ma ...

Identification of organophosphates (OPs) based nerve agents, is vital to the protection of U.S. armed forces personnel. Existing detection methods use bulky and expensive laboratory equipment, negating their battlefield use. Colorimetric indicators such as the currently deployed M8 and M9 detection papers are the fastest, cheapest, and easiest type of detector to use; however, these cannot detect ...

A Phase I SBIR effort conducted by Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has developed a novel method for the patterned electrospun deposition of a moisture cured polyurethane adhesive. This nanofiberized adhesive was used to laminate conventional fabrics with noeffect on fabric moisture permeability and drape. Incorporation of the adhesive nanofibers into a fabric laminate for Chem-Bio Warfare (CBW) prot ...