Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021 - 33

Test & Measurement
Photo-Induced Emission Analysis to Identify Surface
Contaminants
The instrument identifies, quantifies, and characterizes contamination, even on irregularly
shaped surfaces.
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
ASA Langley developed an in -
strument to measure low levels of
contamination on curved or irregularly
shaped surfaces. The instrument offers
unique capabilities such as the ability to
identify and quantify contamination and
analyze multiple surfaces simultaneously.
This information provides an analysis
of surface cleanliness needed for more
reliable adhesive bonding in applications
such as lightweight aircraft.
The instrument directs ultraviolet (UV)
radiation onto a surface, producing a
small electric current. The instrument
measures that current as it changes over a
short time interval. By analyzing the current,
the level of contamination on the surface
and the identification of the contaminant
species can be determined.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to comN
mercialize
this technology. Please contact
NASA's Licensing Concierge at Agency-PatentLicensing@mail.nasa.gov
or call us at 202-3587432
to initiate licensing discussions. Follow
this link for more information: https://
technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-236.
The instrument identifies, quantifies, and characterizes contamination, even on irregularly shaped
surfaces such as aircraft.
Chemical Detection System for Low Concentration Levels
This technology provides accurate results on concentrations below levels that represent an
immediate danger to life and health.
Army Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
esearchers have developed a product
to detect chemical weapons accurately
at low concentration levels. The
Chemical Agent Disclosure Spray and
the Contamination Indicator/Decon -
tamination Assurance System (CIDAS)
incorporates enzymes into polymers that
would be stabilized for use outside the
cell and then ultimately used in realistic
battlefield environments.
Typically, enzymes are not stable outside
the living organism but the fundamental
polymer and enzyme chemistry
research identified a way to maintain
R
Tech Briefs, October 2021
Cov
high activity of the enzymes for sensing
chemicals in realistic battlefield conditions.
The new technology uses enzymes
(complex proteins naturally produced
by living organisms that act as a catalyst
for specific biochemical reactions) to
drive rapid, color-based reactions with
chemical warfare agents. Once applied
to a surface as a liquid solution, a vivid
color change indicates the exact location
of contamination by a specific
chemical warfare agent.
Because the underlying chemistry
uses enzymes to drive specific biowww.techbriefs.com
ToC
chemical
reactions, the technology is
highly resistant to potential forms of
chemical and environmental interference
that might be problematic for
conventional detection equipment.
The product's sensitivity also provides
the ability to determine whether de -
contamination was effective. The spray
technology enables rapid detection of
highly toxic substances while reducing
the lifecycle cost of decontamination
operations.
Products previously available for the
detection of nerve and blister chemical
33

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Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021

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