EXP-LA: Development of a Nanostructured-Based Sensor System for Reliable Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

The objective is to develop advanced nanostructured miniature explosives sensors with high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response. An array of sensors is carbon nanotube (CHT) based with different nanostructures having distinctive color patterns with different IED target molecules (TNT and RDX). To enhance the chemical selectivity, a molecular mechanics analysis using Chem3D and Sculpt will be used to search for ideal host molecules to bond the IED target selectively. A soft computing such as radial basis functions neural networks will be further utilized for improving the different explosives. The system will be able to detect explosives signatures with capacity to differentiate statistically small amount of false alarms and false detection. The work can impact future development of gas detection systems for security and industrial use. It could also lead to development of new biosensors.