SBIR-STTR Award

The purpose of this Phase I effort is to demonstrate the feasibility of using an integrated field portable instrument for field chemical analysis. Currently, no fieldable chemical analysis technology is available that can provide real-time monitoring of hazardous compounds in complex samples such as ambient air. The proposed field-portable integrated SPME sampling, flash GC, miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) will meet this operational need. The performance and capabilities of the MMS instrument will be best in class by providing a level of selectivity that is unmatched by current fieldable mass spectrometers or ion mobility spectrometers. Development of this system will transform traditional sample-to-lab analysis to lab-to-sample analysis. This concept will provide high-end chemical analysis in the field with the potential to save lives and provide a competitive advantage to U.S. armed forces. The performance specifications of this instrument will be demonstrated in Phase I and a full prototype will be developed during Phase II.

Benefit:
The instrument that will be developed as part of this Phase I effort will be able to detect chemical warfare agents in the field, but will also find use in Homeland Security, customs monitoring, airport screening, and environmental protection.

Keywords:
mass spectrometer, mass spectrometer, flash GC, Chemical Warfare, Selectivity, solid-phase microextraction, field portable

The purpose of this Phase II effort is to demonstrate the feasibility of using an integrated field portable instrument for field chemical analysis. There are currently no means by which to fully analyze highly complex samples in the field to determine if hazardous compounds are present. Development of this capability will save lives as valuable time is lost while transferring samples to the laboratory or by time lost due to response from false alarms. The proposed field-portable integrated SPME sampling, flash GC, miniature mass spectrometer will meet this operational need. The selectivity of this system will be greater than any other system currently available. The particular type of mass analyzer used for this development will provide added selectivity that no other type of field-portable mass spectrometer or ion mobility spectrometer can provide.

Benefit:
An instrument of the type described in this proposal would provide highly accurate chemical analysis in the field resulting in actionable steps.

Keywords:
mass spectrometer, chemical analysis, solid phase microextraction, low thermal mass gas chromatography, warfare agents