Award Data

We propose to build an Intensity-Modulated Advanced X-ray Source (IMAXS) for cargo inspection systems that allows such systems to achieve 1 to 2 inches greater penetration for dense cargo (steel or equivalent) while, on average, producing the same amount, or less, radiation. Alternatively, cargo inspection systems using the new design may opt to have the same penetration as with conventional sourc ...

Trace chemical sampling is most effective when both particles and vapor are collected due to the enhanced mass obtained. While vapor sampling is limited by the available vapor pressure of the target substance, particles are limited only by the three steps of 1) release from the surface, 2) transport to a collector/concentrator, and 3) collection efficiency for small particles. In addition, the rea ...

Fires in tunnels, whether resulting from collisions, bombs, or other sources, are extremely hazardous. Authorities need immediate notification of the problem to provide quick assistance to passengers and prevent additional collisions. One solution is to place temperature sensors along the length of the tunnel; these sensors can be used to detect blasts and issue an alarm. Placing sensors in a tunn ...

Each year, over 14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers are transported into the U.S. from approximately 700 ports around the world. To facilitate the screening of containers, modified straddle carriers with plastic scintillators, neutron detectors, and NaI detectors (spectroscopic detectors) travels through rows of containers to perform radiation scanning. Portal monitors surv ...

Midé, along with ballistics and firearms expert Ed Hartwell, proposes development of the “Piezer” (pee-ay’-zer) – an untethered electro-muscular disruption non-lethal stun weapon based on piezoelectric technology for civil law enforcement officers and the military. The innovative new device would provide individual threat control at increased range (40 50 meters) over existing weapons and ...

Recent reports indicate the activity of more than 6,000 botnet C and C servers. 70 million zombies are responsible for 80 percent of SPAM. Given the exponential growth of the botnet threat, the security of our nation s cyber infrastructure demand automated botnet activity monitoring solutions. In Phase I, Milcord developed a feasibility prototype of a Bayesian Activity Monitor for Botnet Defense. ...

Reliable identification of chemical hazards in multidimensional datasets is a key challenge for the deployment of effective chemical vapor detection systems. Much of the work to date has focused on, and is applicable only to, individual technologies. As new techniques are developed, many of the same data processing challenges recur. In Phase I of this project, we will conduct a feasibility study a ...

The release of hazardous chemical vapors has the potential for severe casualties, and the detection of such chemicals is therefore critically important for homeland security. Despite this threat, there exists no commercially available, portable gas detection product that can quickly and cost-effectively sense most hazardous gases. In this Phase I project, we will develop a new generation of stable ...

NOVA proposes development of a novel combined solid-state neutron and gamma detector achieved by integrating 10B/Gd loaded neutron-sensitive microchannel plates with high performance scintillators and readout to provide both neutron and gamma detection within a single unit. NOVA will team with St. Gobain Crystals for expertise in high speed scintillators and coupled light-sensitive readouts; and t ...

Electron accelerators that produce continuous (DC) or continuous wave (CW) electron beams at very high repetition rates are essential for use in rapid Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence and EZ-3DTM imaging technologies. While isotopic identification of shielded materials is now possible, accelerator portability and reasonable cost of ownership are lacking for critical special nuclear material (SNM) in ...