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Chemical Remote Sensor for Proliferation

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-11ER90080
Agency Tracking Number: 97516
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 50 d
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000413
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-06-17
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-05-16
Small Business Information
1550 Pacheco St
Santa Fe, NM 87505-3914
United States
DUNS: 607619223
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Bomse
 Dr.
 (505) 216-5015
 dbomse@mesaphotonics.com
Business Contact
 David Bomse
Title: Dr.
Phone: (505) 216-5015
Email: dbomse@mesaphotonics.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Mesa Photonics has proposes development of a remote sensor to be used to detect clandestine nuclear material processing. We have identified a volatile chemical that is indicative of key steps in uranium isotope enrichment, and can be detected readily at low concentrations using optical methods. Small plumes that are about 1 m across and containing about 5 parts per million (ppm) of the marker can be readily detected. It should also be possible to generate two-dimensional images of the vapor plumes. We envision two remote sensing configurations. Both use the sun as the primary light source. In one case, the sensor views the sun directly; this is known as solar occultation. The other relies on sunlight that is diffusely scattered from solid surfaces such as concrete or sand. The solar occultation method should give better detection limits and can operate several miles from the plume, but has significant constrains on sensor positioning. Diffuse reflectance will be less sensitive, but is a more general approach and can be adapted for two-dimensional imaging. Solar-occultation-based remote sensors will be about the size of a pair of binoculars and draw 5 W. Battery-powered operation is feasible, as is fully automated, untended operation. Sensors that use scattered sunlight will be somewhat larger with the exact size and weight depending on imaging specifications. It will be possible to design sensor systems that can be carried by unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones. The proposed Phase I project entails designing and building an optical receiver containing the optics and electronics needed for remote sensing; demonstrating sensing capabilities in the laboratory using solid-state light sources in place of the sun; and, field testing the device by direct comparison with a well-established measurement method. A prototype remote sensor will be developed in Phase II and field tested. The prototype will be fully automated and operate unattended for long periods

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

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