Title

EXP-SA: A Lateral Field Excited Acoustic Wave Sensor for Peroxide-Based Explosives

Investigators

John F. Vetelino, Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow
David J. Neivandt, Co-Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow

Additional Participants

Graduate Student

Walter Scott Duy

Undergraduate Student

Brian Hackett
Sara Nadeau
Michael FitzGerald

Organizational Partner

Seacoast Science, Inc.

Project Period

September 1, 2007-August 31, 2011

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0730753

Submission Date

1-6-2012

Abstract

Intellectual Merit:
The candidate films will be functionalized on the quartz surface of the LFE sensing platform and exposed to peroxide-based IEDs and the materials used to fabricate them under simulated conditions. Critical sensor element properties such as the response level, response time, detection limit, resolution, and linearity will be measured and the selectivity will be determined by exposing the sensor to known concentrations of chemical simulants. In addition the admittance of each sensor element will be measured to isolate mechanical and electrical property changes in the film so as to identify the unique chemical signature of each analyte and provide a higher degree of selectivity. Sensor electronics will be designed and fabricated resulting in a handheld electronic unit. The sensor electronics will simultaneously process the output from five LFE sensing elements and provide a digital readout. Finally, the prototype sensor unit will be assembled and tested for the detection of PBEs and the materials commonly used to fabricate them.

Broader Impacts:
The development of a detector for PBEs will demonstrate that cutting edge research at the University of Maine will benefit homeland security, the military. A successful demonstration of a field deployable detector for PBEs will motivate the development and commercialization, by small sensor businesses, of similar sensors for homeland security, military, health, agricultural, automotive, and environmental applications.

Rights and Access Note

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Recommended Citation

Vetelino, John F. and Neivandt, David J., "EXP-SA: A Lateral Field Excited Acoustic Wave Sensor for Peroxide-Based Explosives" (2012). University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports. 318.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/orsp_reports/318