Explosives detectionOptical sensor specialist to develop explosive sensing technology

Polestar Technologies, a developer of optical cal sensors, has recently won a $2.5 million government contract from the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Deterrent Organization (JIEDDO) to develop a system for the stand-off detection of explosives hidden on a person. This system could be used for scanning people at entry points in airports, sporting events, concerts, or any place where large crowds gather and might be a target for a terrorist.

The lead for this sensor program is Polestar Technologies’ senior vice president of research and technology, Dr. Ranganathan Shashidhar, an recognized authority on sensor technology development. According to Dr. Shashidhar, “Our explosive sensing technology takes advantage of the latest advances in signal processing and will greatly enhance security in public places.” This is an accelerated program, with a goal of having working prototypes delivered to JIEDDO within fifteen months.

Polestar Technologies says that its R&D programs, which focus on optical sensor technologies, have grown significantly over the last few years. Previous government contracts with NASA and NIH supported the development of oxygen (O2) and pH sensors that Polestar then modified for the commercial market. Subsequently, Polestar developed a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor. Polestar says hat today, it offers the only 3-in-1 monitoring system for measuring O2, pH, and CO2 simultaneously, and the system is used in the biopharmaceutical, food and beverage, brewing, bio-fuel, environmental, and pure water markets.