Publications

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Continued acts of terrorism using explosive materials throughout the world have led to great interest in explosives detection technology, especially technologies that have a potential for remote or standoff detection. This LDRD was undertaken to investigate the benefit of the possible use of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in standoff explosives detection equipment. Standoff detection of explosives is currently one of the most difficult problems facing the explosives detection community. Increased domestic and troop security could be achieved through the remote detection of explosives. An effective remote or standoff explosives detection capability would save lives and prevent losses of mission-critical resources by increasing the distance between the explosives and the intended targets and/or security forces. Many sectors of the US government are urgently attempting to obtain useful equipment to deploy to our troops currently serving in hostile environments. This LDRD was undertaken to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in standoff detection systems. This report documents the potential opportunities that Sandia National Laboratories can contribute to the field of QCL development. The following is a list of areas where SNL can contribute: (1) Determine optimal wavelengths for standoff explosives detection utilizing QCLs; (2) Optimize the photon collection and detection efficiency of a detection system for optical spectroscopy; (3) Develop QCLs with broader wavelength tunability (current technology is a 10% change in wavelength) while maintaining high efficiency; (4) Perform system engineering in the design of a complete detection system and not just the laser head; and (5) Perform real-world testing with explosive materials with commercial prototype detection systems.

Accurate, periodic calibration is required to operate IMS, GC, and portal security systems with maximum efficiency, surety, and operator confidence. To this end, we are presently developing a microfabricated device for on-demand calibration of fleldable contraband detection instruments. Using robotically-assisted picoliter dispensing methods, precise nanogram or larger amounts of calibration compound(s) are placed on micron-sized bridge structures. Resistively heating these structures delivers precisely quantified low-levels of calibration compounds to the detector systems. This provides reliable calibration for identification and quantification of explosives, narcotics, and other contraband. © 2007 IEEE.

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A trace explosives detection system typically contains three subsystems: sample collection, preconcentration, and detection. Sample collection of trace explosives (vapor and particulate) through large volumes of airflow helps reduce sampling time while increasing the amount of dilute sample collected. Preconcentration of the collected sample before introduction into the detector improves the sensitivity of the detector because of the increase in sample concentration. By combining large-volume sample collection and preconcentration, an improvement in the detection of explosives is possible. Large-volume sampling and preconcentration is presented using a systems level approach. In addition, the engineering of large-volume sampling and preconcentration for the trace detection of explosives is explained.

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A rapid deployment access delay system (RAPADS) has been designed to provide high security protection of valued assets. The system or vault is transportable, modular, and utilizes a pin connection design. Individual panels are attached together to construct the vault. The pin connection allows for quick assembly and disassembly, and makes it possible to construct vaults of various sizes to meet a specific application. Because of the unique pin connection and overlapping joint arrangement, a sequence of assembly steps are required to assembly the vault. As a result, once the door is closed and locked, all pin connections are concealed and inaccessible. This provides a high level of protection in that no one panel or connection is vulnerable. This paper presents the RAPADS concept, design, fabrication, and construction.

The Department of Energy's Solar Thermal Program has as one of its program elements the development and evaluation of conversion device technologies applicable to dish-electric systems. The primary research and development combines a conversion device (heat engine), solar receiver, and generator mounted at the focus of a parabolic dish concentrator. The Stirling-cycle heat engine was identified as the conversion device for dish-electric with the most potential for meeting the program's goals for efficiency, reliability, and installed cost. To advance the technology toward commercialization, Sandia National Laboratories has acquired a Stirling Thermal Motors, Inc., kinematic Stirling engine, STM4-120, for evaluation. The engine is being bench-tested at Sandia's Engine Test Facility and will be combined later with a solar receiver for on-sun evaluation. This report presents the engine characteristics, finite element analyses of critical engine components, test system layout, instrumentation, and preliminary performance results from the bench test.