Micro Explosives Detection System: The µHoundTM

Year
2002
Author(s)
Kevin L. Linker - Entry Control and Contraband Detection Technologies
Curtis D. Mowry - Micro-Analytical Systems
Robert C. Sanchez - Microsensors Science and Technologies
Abstract
Sandia National Laboratories has developed two microfabricated sensors for chemical detection and developed portable sampling and macro preconcentration technology for the trace detection of explosives. The sensors are a microChemLab (µChemLabTM) and a micro-ion mobility spec-trometer (µIMS). The µChemLabTM is a gas phase analysis system that includes a preconcentrator, a gas chromatograph column (GC), and a surface acoustic wave detector (SAW). The µIMS is a conventional IMS on a micro scale. The FAA’s Aviation Security Research and Development Division is providing funds to Sandia to adapt and combine these technologies into a sensitive, cost-effective portable trace explosives detection system called the microHound (µHoundTM). A description of the µHoundTM project along with the microsensors and sampling/macro preconcentrator technology will be presented.