The work proposed here will demonstrate the feasibility of a high-sensitivity, scanning-etalon infrared spectrometer to detect silent chemical threats, in response to Subtopic 1 of the solicitation. There is a critical need throughout the DoD, the U.S. government, and the commercial sector for cost- effective sensors to provide timely warning of asymmetric attacks. The Navy is particularly exposed, as it is often the front line of defense. Infrared spectrometry's sensitivity and selectivity minimizes missed detections and false alarms. A new digital signal processing module will compensate for convolution and alignment variations, and enhance the performance of inexpensive optical hardware at small incremental cost. The new instrument can be employed as a passive remote sensor on UAV and surface platforms, or as an active point sensor, offering an unmatched sensitivity and specificity for early warning, providing a superior and less expensive replacement for the JS- LSCAD. To prove feasibility in Phase I, a prototype sensor will be constructed, tested, and mathematically modeled. Comparison of test and model results will verify optimum performance. Because cryogenic detector cooling provides optimum sensitivity, a portion of the effort will verify cooling options. Many commercial opportunities will accrue from development of this technology. Military applications include personnel protection, remote sensing of clandestine activities, including drug and toxin manufacture. Commercial applications include a range of process and quality control, spectral imaging, environmental and occupational health monitoring, laboratory research, field measurements and remote sensing applications. Conservative estimates indicate a $10 million per year market for the technology. Cost-effectiveness insures capture of a significant market share
