A new compact, lightweight, low-cost, modular, infrared remote sensor of chemical weapon agents will be developed for deployment on expandable UAVs. The sensor will depend on new differential absorption radiometer (DAR) technology that will enable detection of multiple species, while nearly perfectly correcting for interferences by atmospheric gases (such as water vapor) and various sources of clutter, including aerosol scattering and variations in source emissivity. A hard-wired signal processing circuitry will provide these corrections by subtraction and normalization at exceptionally low uncertainty of the signals detected by detector pairs. The sensor is projected to achieve sensitivities matching or exceeding existing passive sensors while using low-energy, low cost, uncooled detectors. The simple design and user-friendly output will allow easy telemetry (low data rate requirements). These features will also allow implementation of the sensor for use by untrained personnel in domestic and military applications. When using natural IR emission, the detector will lend itself for packaging as a remote passive sensor or, when combined with an artificial source, as an in-situ sensor (e.g., for protection of public buildings). Unique technology licensed exclusively to Avir will permit the extension of the sensor for imaging and for downwind hazard assessment.
Benefits: The sensor will be first designed for deployment on expandable UAVs. However, its versatility, low cost, simplicity and robustness will allow it to be quickly modified for security applications such as: 1) handheld sensors for military personnel or domestic first responders; 2) stationary sensors for public facilities such as subway stations, airports, or government buildings; 3) airborne applications such as forward looking helicopter avionics; 4) hybridization with existing equipment such as DIAL and Fourier transform spectrometers for large field-of-view and rapid sensing; and more. The sensor can also be packaged for non-security applications such as detection of natural gas leaks, alcohol sensors for law enforcement applications, or electrical fire detection.
Keywords: remote sensing, passive sensing, IR technology, differential absorption radiometry, chemical weapon agents, chem-bio
