KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Multiband Fluorescence Imaging for Wide Area Detection of Land Mines, Unexploded Ordnances, and Other Contaminants Primary Sponsor: Department of Defense Deadline: 4/11/2001 KEYWORDS TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense, Sensors, Battlespace OBJECTIVE: Airborne Real-time Detection of Unexploded Ordnance/TNT Contaminated Areas by Enhanced Multiband Fluorescence Imaging. DESCRIPTION: The detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and land mines is a major concern for ground forces. In addition, mandated clean up and reclamation of military bases requires a robust method to detect contaminants related to buried UXO material. Recent laboratory testing has shown that laser-induced fluorescence technology was successful in the detection of fluorescence emissions related to secondary explosives (i.e., TNT), where photoluminescence was enhanced through the use of genetically engineered microbes. A multiband fluorescence imaging system incorporating specific broad-band excitation and emission capabilities could expand the utility of the technology and broaden the range of detectable UXO constituents including metals-based primary explosives, and other target materials. It is envisioned that a fully operational system will be aircraft mounted for use over large, potentially hazardous areas. PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of using fluorescence information to enable detection of TNT, UXO, or other contaminants. Possible excitation sources could include, but is not limited to, lasers, flashlamps, and solar energy (through use of Fraunhofer lines). The fluorescence signal may be enhanced/modified by (again not limited to), microbes, vegetation, polymers, and chemical compounds. Investigate parameters such as target material uptake/reaction time, optimal excitation wavelength, fluorescence signal strength, and spectral separation from backgrounds. PHASE II: Develop a "benchtop" prototype system, including excitation source, fluorescence enhancing material (i.e., microbes, vegetation, etc.), and detection hardware. Demonstrate, through laboratory and limited field testing, that the fluorescence signal obtained from the desired material is detectable and separable from background features. Identify and address system scaling issues that will allow for the transition of this technology to an airborne platform. PHASE III DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: Develop a prototype airborne delivery and detection system capable of covering approximately 100 acres per day/night. Conduct testing to prove the feasibility of using this system in multiple environments. Develop a prototype hardware and software system to perform image processing, mosaic construction, signature matching, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) overlays. It is envisioned that multiple civilian/commercial uses of this technology exist. An airborne fluorescence imaging system (especially in combination with enhanced fluorescence techniques) could be applied towards industrial waste (e.g. heavy metals, toxins, etc.), detection, mapping, and cleanup. Possible additional uses could include detection of chemical/biological weapons byproducts, agricultural monitoring, and both aquatic and terrestrial petroleum spills. REFERENCES: 1. Fischer, R.L., R.S. Burlage, J. DiBenedetto, and M.J. Maston. 2000. Using Fluorescence Imagery and Microbes for Ordnance and Mine Detection. Army AL&T, PB-70-00-4, 10-12. 2. Burlage, R.S., R.L. Fischer, J. DiBenedetto, and M.J. Maston. 2000. Reporter Gene System for the Field Detection of Explosives. Second International Symposium on Biotechnology for Conservation of the Environment, July 9-12, 2000, Munster Germany. KEY WORDS: TNT, UXO, land mines, laser induced fluorescence, spectral signatures DoD Notice: Between January 2 and February 28, 2001, you may talk directly with the DoD scientists and engineers who authored the solicitation topics, to ask technical questions about the topics. The Topic Author is listed in the box below. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed after February 28, 2001, when DoD begins accepting proposals under this solicitation. Technical Point of Contact: Robert L. Fischer Phone: 703-428-7140 Fax: 703-428-8176 Email: Robert.Fischer@tec02.usace.army.mil 2nd Technical Point of Contact: John E. Anderson Phone: 703-428-6698x2210 Fax: 703-428-8176 Email: john.anderson@usace.army.mil After February 28, 2001 proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS). If you have general questions about DoD SBIR program, please contact the DoD SBIR Help Desk at (800) 382-4634 or email to SBIRHELP@teltech.com. NOTE: The Solicitations listed on this site are copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date. For this reason, you should use the agency link listed below which will take you directly to the appropriate agency server where you can read the official version of this solicitation and download the appropriate forms and rules. The official link for this solicitation is: http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/sttr01/dod_sttr01.htm. DoD will begin accepting proposals on March 1, 2001. The solicitation closing date is April 11, 2001.