To Stand and Protect

Abstract

This article discusses features of infrared (IR) spectrometers. These spectrometers detect the spectral fingerprints of deadly agents like sarin and mustard gas. The Mobile Chemical Agent Detector (MCAD) uses a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer to detect the spectral fingerprints of deadly agents like sarin and mustard gas. It can also detect many industrial chemicals, including phosgene, ammonia, and methane. The spectrometers, supplied by Block, are the most expensive part of the MCAD system, which at its present manufacturing volume costs several hundred thousand dollars. MCAD generates 12 detection results a second as it monitors the atmosphere in real time. Results are displayed on a laptop. Applications for these sensors range from use by first responders to soldiers on the battlefield. They can also monitor industrial sites. Micro Engineering Software and Hardware has developed a stationary version for use at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah to support chemical sensor field-testing. The company calls this one the Chemical Cloud Tracking System.