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Chemical and Explosive Vapor Detection in Shipping Containers with Remotely Accessed Microcantilever Array Sensors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Contract: W31P4Q-04-C-R211
Agency Tracking Number: 04SB1-0079
Amount: $98,796.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: SB041-005
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-05-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-01-13
Small Business Information
695 Sierra Rose Drive
Reno, NV 89511
United States
DUNS: 145411216
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Ralph Whitten
 President
 (530) 368-2870
 rwhitten@nevadanano.com
Business Contact
 Ralph Whitten
Title: President
Phone: (530) 368-2870
Email: rwhitten@nevadanano.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We present a highly qualified team, including security experts and technical experts, and a patent-pending new microcantilever array sensor technology (which has been tested for chemical and explosive detection) to be integrated with low-cost electronics and networking modules and implemented as an inexpensive and easily deployable solution to the shipping container inspection problem. Because of the flexibility and advantages of the proposed platform, such a system could provide monitoring of containers for pollutants, toxic industrial chemicals, and chemical and biological agents with one low-cost sensor array in each container. The overarching objective of this work is to develop sensing inspection and assessment technologies for remotely screening in-bound shipping containers for use on-shore during container loading and unloading, and in offshore holding areas for inbound container ships. In Phase I of the program, we will develop a sensor and implementation methodology, and demonstrate proof-of principle data collection and analysis. In phase II of the award, larger arrays of more sensitive microcantilevers will be fabricated and packaged with standard ICs for implementation in a small network of sensor units embedded in two or more shipping containers. These containers will undergo a field test with chemical and/or explosive laden mock cargo.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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