The DOE=s Nonproliferation and National Security (NN) Program needs new and innovative sensor systems that can be used for counter-proliferation treaty monitoring, counter-terrorism, and the detection of smuggled nuclear and chemo/bio warfare materials. Optical evanescent wave chemical sensors are being considered by NN for detecting and characterizing signature molecules related to weapons of mass destruction. This project will develop innovative chemosensor arrays and utilize neural net signal processing algorithms to substantially improve the performance of these sensors. Phase I developed three key innovations: (a) a reversible optical sensor demonstrating ppb level sensitivity to kerosene and tributyl phosphate (materials associated with processing nuclear materials), (b) sensing materials having the potential for detecting target species selectively from a mixture, and (c) an approach that allows the construction of handheld instruments for use by minimally skilled personnel. These innovations will allow sensitive and selective detection of undesired activities by rogue nations, and by terrorist groups and individuals. Phase II will develop a prototype sensor system, and components will be optimized for low parts-per-billion detection of a variety of organic vapors related to nuclear processing, chemical warfare agents, and explosives. The prototype will be field-tested for performance verification.

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