Orthogonal Chip Based Electronic Sensors for Chemical Agents

Abstract : Seacoast Science, Inc. and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are developing a portable real-time chemical detector system containing multiple sensor technologies. This Phase II STTR final report details our accomplishments during the 2-year program. Scientists at UCSD have modeled the behavior of the metal-phthalocyanine ChemFET, and optimizing both the sensor chemistry and methods to understand the sensor data. Seacoast Science has developed a packed-tube, trap-and-purge preconcentrator to collect vapor samples, with the goal of improving the sensitivity of the ultimate sensor system. Increased sensitivity allows for improved signal to noise for pattern recognition and for better protection for the warfighters who will use the system. In Phase II, Seacoast developed and tested an integrated prototype, integrating both the UCSD chemFET array and Seacoast s chemicapacitor array with the preconcentrator. UCSD has developed methods for solution deposition of sensor films using soluble phthalocyanines. Development of the preconcentrator and sensor materials demonstrate Seacoast's leading-edge sensor systems for chemical threats of critical importance to the US military. Improvements in the systems developed under this program are being integrated into Seacoast s Mini GC product prototypes for vapor detection for applications such as environmental contamination detection and aerosol analysis.