Manportable CBRNE Detection System | ARA, Inc.

General Description
The Manportable CBRNE Detection System is a backpack-style field instrument intended for first responders and other users. It is intended for many different types of samples from environmental through industrial, and has been shown adaptable to many matrices. A unique feature is that the analysis is usually conducted in situ; i.e., without taking samples or preparing material. The system is comprised of a backpack and a handheld optical probe. Detections of threat and non-threat materials are reported to the operator on a display within about 2 seconds in a user-friendly format. Dozens of distinct materials, including nuclear, radiological, explosive materials and bacterial strains, have been detected with this instrument. When nuclear material is detected, an attachment can be quickly connected to enable the fast determination of isotopic enrichment of the material. This rugged instrument is currently at the TRL-6 level, and has undergone extensive testing.

Technical Description
The Manportable CBRNE Detection System is based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Miniaturized components permit adaptation to a compact, backpack-style system. In LIBS, a laser pulse is used to create a spark on a material surface. Optical emission from this spark is analyzed using a compact spectrometer. This spectrum is automatically processed using an on-board micro-computer to generate a report of materials detected. Dozens of threat and non-threat materials have been detected with this system, including uranium, plutonium, specific explosives, and bacterial strains. The use of advanced chemometric techniques permits identification of a wide range of complex materials. High-resolution spectroscopy is conducted using a compact attachment on nuclear materials, enabling isotopic ratios to be determined quickly in the field.

Evaluation Criteria

THROUGHPUT:

Detection is instantaneous
Continuous operation with no defined runs
System is continuous and provides real time analysis with no defined tests/samples
The system or device is currently semi-automated
Device or system is intended for multiple detection assays
0-1 solutions, buffer, eluents, and/or reagents
0 components
Less than 5 minutes is required for set-up
1-2 steps are required for detection

LOGISTICS:

Very brief (minutes-hours) training and minimal technical skills
Approximately the size of a carry-on luggage suitcase
Between 5 and 25 kg
Wireless and wired connections are available
System or device uses batteries
4-8 hours battery life

OPERATIONS:

Can be used from -21°C to 41°C
Performance is not influenced by relative humidity
Greater than 3 years shelf life
3-5 years expected life
Results can be viewed in real-time
The system or device is currently fully autonomous
The system software is open and available for modification
The system hardware is open and available for modification

DETECTION:

Possible the system could receive 510K clearance, no current efforts at this time
Possible the system could receive FDA approval, no current efforts at this time
Less than 50 µL
Excellent specificity. System has occasional false alarms under certain conditions (<2%)
Possible the system could identify liquid chemical agent
System is used for surveying

Tier Selection