Standoff LIBS Element Detection Sensor

To address Army’s need to rapidly and autonomously detect and identify chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents and improvised explosive device (IED) compounds from a 100 m standoff distance, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Standoff Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Elemental Detection System (SLEDS). SLEDS is based on a compact, highly efficient, eye-safe excitation laser and beam delivery/collection optics with the capability of targeting and tracking the LIBS spark, a miniature 3x2x2-in., 200-1000 nm, 0.1 nm resolution multiplanar spectrometer, and smart control and robust chemical fingerprinting software resulting in a 3 cu. m, 10 kg, 10 W portable system suitable for installation on the Army's current mobile platforms as well as those to be part of the Future Combat System (FCS). This unique integrated SLEDS design will enable Army personnel to perform standoff detection and operation from mobile platforms. In Phase I, POC developed the system design, and demonstrated feasibility by assembling and testing a SLEDS prototype as a proof-of-concept. In Phase II, POC will construct and test an optimized, fully portable, and rugged SLEDS prototype that will be delivered to the U.S. Army for further testing.