Investigations of Novel Sensor Technology for Explosive Specific Detection

摘要

The objective of this challenge project was to investigate explosive specific sensor technology to fill capability gaps for the U.S. warfighter. Recent advances in sensor technology have demonstrated the capability to identify vapor phase explosive species in close proximity (less than one meter), and in real-time. These advances have lead to further research and development to improve the state-of-the-art. Since enemy combatants are continuing to deploy more complex IED-like threats, there is a strong push to provide a standoff capability to detect explosive threats at increased distances in order increase survivability. Standoff is most widely defined as the distance between the sensing system and the target of interest. In addition, capability for remote deployment of sensor technology on robotic platform or articulating arm is also strongly encouraged as the Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) continues to evolve. Within the following report, three specific topic areas were investigated, sensor platforms, novel sensory materials, and standoff sensing techniques. Sensor platforms and sensory materials addressed the remote applications while standoff sensing techniques addressed standoff applications. This report is not intended to cover all existing or novel sensor technologies that attempt to sense the presence of explosive threats.