Block MEMS wins Army SBIR Phase II enhancement contract for LaserScan
March 5, 2012
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., 5 March 2012. Block MEMS won an Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II enhancement contract for its LaserScan next-generation spectrometer using tunable mid-infrared (IR) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). This new contract follows Block's previous Phase II Commercialization Pilot Program (CPP) award.
"The focus of this new award will be on enhancing the LaserScan's capabilities through the development of novel chemical recognition algorithms. These algorithms will enable LaserScan to detect liquid and solid chemical warfare agents and other emerging chemical threats, from a standoff distance on a variety of substrates," says Petros Kotidis, CEO of Block MEMS.
LaserScan detects and measures substances on surfaces from a standoff distance of 6 inches to 2 feet. It identifies bulk materials and detects sub-micron films based on mid-IR absorption characteristics. Applications include: detection of explosive materials, traditional and nontraditional chemical agents, biological agents, and toxic industrial chemicals.
LaserScan also analyzes gases and liquids. An alternate version of the device is designed to interface with common FTIR accessories, including liquid and gas cells, fiber-optic probes, and reflectance accessories. The LaserScan can also be outfitted to function as an IR microscope.
About the Author
Courtney Howard | Executive Editor
Courtney, as executive editor, enjoys writing about all things electronics and avionics in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Military & Aerospace Electronics, Avionics Intelligence, the Avionics Europe conference, and much more. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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