FirstDefender RMX | Thermo Fisher Scientific

General Description
Thermo Scientific FirstDefender RMX is a Raman spectrometer for rapid, accurate identification of unknown chemicals directly in the field. Building on prior generation technology, enhancements have been made in speed, performance, mixture analysis and user interface incorporating extensive user feedback and the latest technical advances.
At 2.0 pounds (919g), the FirstDefender RMX unit is lightweight and portable, with a large, vivid display for ease of use in bulky protective gear. It is designed to meet the demanding requirements of elite military personnel and civilian first responders.
Key Benefits:

Fast, accurate identification. Based on Raman spectroscopy, quickly identifies unknown solid and liquid chemicals. Unit stores all data and can export in multiple formats.
Built for field use. MIL-STD-810G and IP67 tested and certified.
Improved automatic mixture analysis. Sophisticated chemometric algorithms automatically determine presence of mixed and contaminated chemicals.
Point-and-shoot™ identification. Operates directly through sealed glass or plastic containers, avoiding exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Extensive substance library. Identifies explosives, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), chemical warfare agents (CWAs), narcotics, precursors, white powders and more.
Fixed flex probe and optional tactical robot integration.

Technical Description
Raman Spectroscopy is a vibrational spectroscopy technique, where an intense single wavelength laser is focused on a sample. The laser energy excites the bonds of a molecule and generates or scatters measurable light to identify the material in question. Raman is highly effective at extracting a reliable and accurate identification of an unknown substance based on its underlying chemistry. Raman spectroscopy is best used as a primary analysis technique for sampling aqueous solutions and white or light colored powders and scanning through sealed containers.

Evaluation Criteria

THROUGHPUT:

2 minutes or less for detection
1 sample, >10 tests/sample per run
95-32 samples every 2 hours
The system could be adapted to a semi-automated system with some effort
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:

An afternoon of training and some technical skills required
Approximately the size of a soda can
Less than 1 kg
System or device uses batteries
4-8 hours battery life

OPERATIONS:

Can be used from < -21°C to > 42°C (All temperatures)
Performance is not influenced by relative humidity
5-10 years expected life
Results cannot be viewed in real-time
The system is not capable of autonomy
The system software is closed and not available for modification
The system hardware is closed and not 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
Greater than 250 µL
Good specificity. System has a consistently low level of false alarms (2-5%)
>1 ppt
System currently can identify liquid chemical agent

Tier Selection