virtual trip report

Defence Research and Development Canada Reference Document

DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100

September 2020

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Virtual Trip Report

SPIE Defense+ Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020

Helen Moise Corry Byrne DRDC – Suffield Research Centre

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DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100 i

Abstract

This Reference Document provides a brief summary and report on five select presentations within the

CBRNE stream that were seen during the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives

(CBRNE) Sensing XXI online conference session under the umbrella of the SPIE Defense + Commercial

Sensing Digital Forum 2020, which may be of great interest and relevance within CBRNE research at the

Counter Terrorism and Technology Centre (CTTC) at Defense Research and Development Canada’s

Suffield Research Centre. Future research work in these areas are also included. The following

presentations are presented in this report (ordered as per date viewed online):

Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer. Author(s): Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk,

Roderick Kunz, MIT Lincoln Lab. (United States).

Developing a novel network of CBRNE sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current

technologies.

Author(s): Lukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, Weronika M. Walczyk, ITTI Sp. z o.o. (Poland).

Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff detection of trace explosives.

Author(s): Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, U.S. Naval Research

Lab. (United States); Yohan Yoon, American Society for Engineering Education (United States); Tyler J.

Huffman, National Research Council (United States); Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill, U.S. Naval

Research Lab. (United States).

Design and operation of a human color vision inspired sensor for proximate standoff detection

(conference presentation). Author(s): Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, Kenneth J. Ewing, U.S. Naval


Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis.

Author(s): K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Savannah River National Lab. (United States); Steven M. Serkiz,

Clemson Univ. (United States); Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Savannah River National Lab.

(United States); Darrell Simmons, Leigh R. Martin, Oak Ridge National Lab. (United States).

ii DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100

Résumé

Ce document de référence fournit un bref résumé et un rapport sur cinq présentations portant sur les

armes chimiques, biologiques, radiologiques, nucléaires et explosives (CBRNE) qui ont été données dans

le cadre de la conférence Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing

XXI, organisée dans le cadre du SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020, qui peut

s’avérer d’un grand intérêt et d’une grande pertinence pour la recherche CBRNE au Centre de technologie

antiterroriste (CTA) à Centre de recherches de Suffield de Recherche et développement pour la défense

Canada. De futurs travaux de recherche dans ces domaines sont également inclus. Les présentations

suivantes sont indiquées dans le présent rapport (en ordre selon la date de consultation en ligne):

Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer (La détection chimique au moyen d’un

spectromètre portable à faible SWaP). Auteurs: Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk,

Roderick Kunz, MIT Lincoln Lab. (États-Unis).

Developing a novel network of CBRNE sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current

technologies (Mise sur pied d’un nouveau réseau de capteurs CBRNE pour pallier les lacunes

existantes des technologies actuelles).

Auteurs: Lukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, Weronika M. Walczyk, ITTI Sp. z o.o. (Pologne).

Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff detection of trace explosives (Détection rapide

de la rétrodiffusion infrarouge pour la détection de traces d'explosifs).

Auteurs: Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, U.S. Naval Research

Lab. (États-Unis); Yohan Yoon, American Society for Engineering Education (États-Unis); Tyler J.

Huffman, National Research Council (États-Unis); Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill, U.S. Naval

Research Lab. (États-Unis).


(conference presentation) (Conception et exploitation d'un capteur inspiré de la vision des couleurs

humaines pour la détection de l'impasse [présentation de la conférence]). Auteurs: Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, Kenneth J. Ewing, U.S. Naval

Research Lab. (États-Unis).

Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis (Méthode spectroscopique infrarouge

pour l'analyse isotopique de l'uranium).

Auteurs: K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Savannah River National Lab. (États-Unis); Steven M. Serkiz,

Clemson Univ. (États-Unis); Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Savannah River National Lab.

(États-Unis); Darrell Simmons, Leigh R. Martin, Oak Ridge National Lab. (États-Unis).

DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100 iii

Table of Contents

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Résumé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Spectroscopy for CBRNE Dectection and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Poster Session: Development of a Novel Network of CBRNE Sensors . . . . . . . . . 5

4 Explosives Materials Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5 Standoff Sensing of CBRNE Hazards II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6 Other Presentation of Interest: Radiological and Nuclear Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

References/Bibliography.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

List of Symbols/Abbreviations/Acronyms/Initialisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

iv DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements and credit goes to the authors of the presentations whose abstracts, presentation notes

and papers are used in this Document. Thanks (by alphabetical order) goes to: Dr. Christopher J. Breshike,

Dr. Richard P. Kingsborough, Dr. Kevin J. Major, and Dr. Lukasz Szklarski, as well as to SPIE for kindly

giving us permission to use their abstracts and notes made available through the SPIE Defense +

Commercial Sensing Digital Forum. Their works as used and cited in this document are also given in the

references section.

DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100 1

1 Introduction

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SPIE Defense+ Commercial Sensing conference that was to be held

in Anaheim, USA in April of 2020 was changed to an online digital forum held between 27 April to

8 May 2020. It was a very well-organized digital forum with conference program tracks in materials and

devices, imaging and analytics, advanced sensing and imaging, next generation sensor systems and

applications, industry talks, and virtual exhibitions featuring 272 exhibitors. Within these program tracks,

there were more than 600 presentations, 450 papers and plenary speakers attending virtually and

presenting on topics related to sensors, infrared technology, laser systems, spectral imaging, radar, Light

Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), artificial intelligence/machine learning and more, all within the realm

of defense, security and commercial applications. Hence, the SPIE Defense+ Commercial Sensing

conference remains one of the most important conferences where researchers, experts and exhibitors may

gather together under one umbrella.

As the authors of this document are part of the Counter Terrorism and Technology Centre (CTTC) at

Defense Research and Development Canada’s Suffield Research Centre, of particular interest was the

next generation systems and applications program track since this program track included the Chemical,

Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXI forum session. This session was

further sub-divided into sections involving:

Photonic Integrated Circuits and Plasmonic Sensing

Advances in Chemical, Biological, Explosive (CBE) Signature Modeling and Sensor Algorithms I

Standoff Sensing of CBRNE Hazards I

Standoff Sensing of CBRNE Hazards II

Advances in CBE Signature Modeling and Sensor Algorithms II

Biological Hazard Sensing

Chemical Hazard Sensing

Radiological and Nuclear Sensing

Spectroscopy for CBRNE Detection and Warning

Explosive Material Sensing

Within these sections, while the radiological and nuclear sensing sub-section would be of particular

interest to the newly formed radiological and nuclear technology group at CTTC, which was formed in

2018 and of which program formulation and direction continues to evolve, there were only two

presentations under this session. However, there were many other interesting and relevant presentations

and thus, this paper presents a few select presentations that we believe may be of relevance and interest to

the radiological and nuclear technology group, particulary in the area of sensors and the detection of

chemical agents and trace explosives based on differing technology.

2 DRDC-RDDC-2020-D100

Papers on the authors’ presentations are available through the SPIE publication:

PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 11416

SPIE DEFENSE + COMMERCIAL SENSING | 27 APRIL TO 8 MAY 2020

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXI

Editor(s): Jason A. Guicheteau, Chris R. Howle


2 Spectroscopy for CBRNE Dectection and Warning

Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer [1].

Author(s): Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk,

Roderick Kunz, MIT Lincoln Lab. (United States)

Abstract:

The threat of exposure to toxic chemicals is of great concern. In order to provide a chemical situational

awareness, we are developing a new type of chemical sensor based on a novel fabric spectrometer-based

colorimetric chemical sensor that is low size, weight, and power (SWaP). We are exploring the key

design principles for photonic transducers to enable a new approach to chemical threat sensing. The fabric

spectrometer is based on a functional fiber platform in which the semiconductor-containing fiber is

miniature in two dimensions and extendable in the third dimension (along the fiber length). By exploring

fibers, and films that can be scaled to a fiber geometry, we will enable a new fiber-based chemical threat

detector that can serve in textiles as well as other interesting form factors.

In this presentation, Dr. Kingsborough talked about his group’s design of a low size, weight and power,

wearable, colorimetric chemical sensor (abbreviated SWaP) that would allow the individual user to detect

chemical threats. While radiological and nuclear threats are of concern, so are chemical threats.

Dr. Kingsorough and his team set out to develop an inexpensive sensor that could subsitute for the

expensive hand-held sensors, first responders normally carry in order to protect themselves. In his

presentation, Dr. Kingsborough, talked about the technology of colorimetry that their sensor is built upon.

Their wearable sensor is a fabric based spectrometer that does chemical sensing using colorimetric dyes

in the form of a small pouch. The pouch itself is made up of three layers: the processor layer that contains

the electronics and communications (comms), the colorimetric card that contains the chemically reactive

dyes and the fabric spectrometer that contains the light emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodiodes that are

drawn into fibers woven into a fabric. Unlike other colorimetric sensors, their sensor allows for

automomous operation. The principle of quantitative analysis is based on optical absorption—Beer’s

Law. Under the development stage, he showed performance data of his fabric spectrometer based on the

detection of ammonia in air, of which the results indicated excellent sensitivity of around four orders of

magnitude compared to other colorimetric sensors. Their experimental results showed their fabric

spectrometer can detect ammonia at a sensitivity of 50 ppb sec at 1% spectrometer resolution, showing

promising results. While he showed multiple designs under development in his presentation, they are

continuing to develop on design in order to produce a single element detector platform that is small in

size and that can detect all of the chemical warfare agent classes including a wide range of toxic industrial

chemicals (TICs).

What is important and beneficial about Dr. Kingsborough research is that as he mentions,this concept can

be expanded beyond personal protection applications, such as chemical plume mapping via unmanned

arial vehicles (UAVs), industrial hygeine and indoor air quality monitoring. Neverthless, the development

of a minituraized, wearable fabric spectrometer would be of much benefit to soldiers and first responders

alike.


Thus, the emerging developments of wearable technology to detect chemical threats, can also be

expanded to radiological threats. On a separate note from this presentation, the concept of miniturized

technology as applicable to a radiological threat or attack includes the field of retrospective dosimetry.

Retrospective dosimetry is a similar concept of having available to the user a tool that can be easily

accessed and worn in order to estimate levels of ionizing radiation exposure. It is based on

thermoluminescence (TL) and the newer optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) methods, and

continues to be an evolving research in which potential materials including household and personal items

such as clothing fabrics (e.g., cotton), glass, saccahrides, plastics, and biological samples such as tooth

enamel and hair [2] are assessed as potential markers to estimate radiation dose. In the case of

retrospective dosimetry, the usefulness of the material following radiation exposure depends on dose

sensitivity and signal stability [3].


3 Poster Session: Development of a Novel Network of CBRNE Sensors

The SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020 also hosted poster sessions within the

different categories as specified in the introduction. An interesting poster presentation held on the session

for April 24th under the CBRNE Sensing XXI forum included:

Developing a novel network of CBRNe sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current

technologies [4].

Author(s): Lukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, Weronika M. Walczyk, ITTI Sp. z o.o. (Poland).

Abstract:

State-of-the-art CBRNE detection systems are predominantly available as standalone detectors, rarely

offering the potential of networking and data fusion. This paper presents a novel CBRNE detection and

identification system based on the network of heterogeneous sensor nodes. The system uses a novel data

fusion algorithm combining data from the sensors, advanced machine-learning and modelling algorithms

to significantly reduce false alarm rates. The situational awareness tools and training compounds

supplement the system to provide innovative real capabilities for CBRNE practitioners.

In this poster presentation, the authors discuss networking and data fusion within the CBRNE stream,

presenting a novel data fusion system. The objective of their work lies in the need for quick and reliable

methods for the detection of agents “at or below levels that pose a health risk for accurate assessment of

severity and extent of a hazard and efficient use of countermeasures” [4] to be made available to both

military and civilian defence. As explained in their presentation, improved detection is one of the main

highlights in the new CBRNE Agenda, which follows the EU CBRNE Action Plan and Action Plan on

Enhancing the Security of Explosives in 2012 [4]. In order to help strengthen CBRNE efforts in Europe,

ENCIRCLE is an European project that works towards bringing communities of suppliers and

practitioners together. A consortium called the European Sensor System for CBRN Applications

(EU-SENSE), comprising of subject matter experts, research and academic institutes who took on the

design and development of novel tools corresponding with the identified needs have been collaborating

with ENCIRCLE [4].

What the authors present and propose, is another step in chemical detection through the development of a

novel network of sensors for CBRNE applications. This is done through chemical detection technologies,

advanced machine learning and modelling algorithms. Their presentation showed how algorithms with

respect to data fusion, advanced machine-learning and modelling combined with data collected from the

sensors of CBRNE detection systems (i.e., stand-alone detectors) could be used to reduce false alarm

rates. Dr. Szklarski discussed the problems that first responders are faced with and the tools and solutions

they have commercially available to them, emphasizing the lack of situational awareness tools. In his

introduction, he also described the architecture of the EU-SENSE and the definition and approach of the

System of Systems (SoS). The SoS as explained comprises of several tools of which his paper focuses on

the network of sensors and a tool called the situational awareness tool including heterogeneous sensor

nodes. Of interest is that the heterogeneous nodes provides for a large variety of data, and combined with

data fusion algorithms, allows for the detection of a large range of chemical agents including the


reduction of false alarms. A variety of chemical detectors based on differing technology were applied

within a single node and this was shown in his presentation. With regards to the situational awareness

tool, Dr. Szklarski further explained that one of the purposes of the EU-SENSE project is to improve

CBRNE practioners’ situational awareness, and as such the highest layer of the EU-SENSE system is the

Situational Awareness layer, which integrates the results coming from the sensor network and data fusion

output. This is quite interesting as the data in turn is displayed to CBRNE practioners, which would in

turn help them in their decision making process. Building on this, his presentation included data collected

in Oslo and the presentation of results from an outdoor session in which environmental background data

was collected to be used in creating an anomaly detection algorithm. Also presented were lab tests in

which they investigated the response curves of various sensors and the corresponding reaction to various

amounts of particular stimulants. As Dr. Szklarski demonstrated, the data fusion algorithms developed as

a results of these tests and sensing nodes allowed the EU-SENSE system to significantly reduce false

alarms and hence improve CBRNE safety such as threat-detection and situational awareness. The results

they collected will also be used to further develop the sensor model.

Overall, this presentation was interesting as CBRNE first responders face a multitude of issues when

responding to incidents and threats. The ability to identify, analyze and mitigate hazards and threats

remain a challenge in all areas of CBRNE. What Dr. Szklarski proposed aimed to also increase user

operability and effectiveness of the system. As he explained in his online presentation notes, “the

ambition of the EU-SENSE project is to provide real capabilities for European CBRNE practioners in

order to improve three salient aspects including threat detection, situational awareness, as well as training

and simulation”[4]. Further details and information on his presentation and group’s work is available

through the SPIE paper [4].

While not discussed in this poster presentation, from a radiological and nuclear standpoint, a similar

system extending or focused towards detection of illicit radiological material and sources, assessing

radiological threats and environments with field-deployable, real-time capability could be of great

interest, particularly for shielding algorithms. Overall, this presentation was interesting and although

geared towards the EU, is just as relevant to North American CBRNE practioners. The ability to identify,

analyze and mitigate hazards and threats remain a challenge in all areas of CBRNE.


4 Explosives Materials Sensing

Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff detection of trace explosives [5].

Author(s): Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, U.S. Naval Research

Lab. (United States); Yohan Yoon, American Society for Engineering Education (United States); Tyler J.

Huffman, National Research Council (United States); Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill, U.S. Naval


Abstract:

The protocols for a standoff detection technique for trace explosives are presented. This infrared

backscatter imaging spectroscopy method utilizes a focal plane array to detect signal from targets

illuminated by a fast tuning quantum cascade laser system, with full spectral coverage in wavelengths

from 6 to 11 µm. This presentation discusses the method in detail with results of the active infrared

imaging spectroscopic technique at proximal distances. The targets in this study are trace explosive

materials deposited onto relevant substrates. Signal collection and quantum cascade lasers (QCL)

operation are synchronized in time and processed into hyperspectral image cubes containing spatial and

spectral information.

In this presentation, Dr. Breshike presented the use of rapid scanning QCL for the detection of trace

amounts of explosive materials. He talked about the development of a mobile platform for stand-off

detection of trace explosives with infrared imaging spectroscopy. Their motivation was to apply the

technique of infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy (IBIS) for standoff detection of trace explosives,

particulary as a “left of boom” detection system. He explained that this meant being able to detect threats

in trace amounts early, safely and from a distance as a preventive measure. In addition to discussing

experimental parameters used with the QCL, he showed its performance and presented the experimental

protocol used to collect data from targets at proximal standoff distance. Experimental results of

analytes: cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), caffeine, and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) on

different substrates such as glass and mirror were discussed. Comparison to diffuse reflectance fourier

transform infrared (FTIR) measurements were also shown. In their measurement of caffeine, they were

able to show agreement with the diffuse reflectance FTIR measured spectrum taken from the same

sample. He also showed the results of RDX analyte measurements on a target such as a car panel. The

data indicated IBIS’s has very good sensitivity and selectivity down to the nanogram scale. For example,

in his experiment of RDX on glass (4.64 ug/cm2), sensitivity was determined to be 15.5 ng. However,

while the technique of IBIS showed good selectivity and sensitivity for a variety of analytes and

substrates, Dr. Breshike summarized that further improvement to this technique would include items such

as: increased signal to noise ratio, implementation of neural networks for analysis, and faster frame

acquisition rates.

Dr. Breshike’s presentation was very interesting and relevant, particulary as there is a large demand for

devices that can rapidly detect explosive threats in addition to chemical and biological threats on-site that

would allow for first responders to take action in mitigating spread, risk and loss[5]. According to

Dr. Breshike, his group has been developing physical models to simulate diffuse reflectance spectra based

on Mie scattering [6]. A few current techniques to detect warfare agents such as RDX, include FTIR,

hand-held assays and radiation detectors but there is still a requirement to improve these techniques in


terms of usability, sensitivity, reliability and cost [3, 7]. Safety is also of paramount consideration in the

detection of trace amounts of explosives as current screening techniques involve short-range interactions,

hence, the IBIS technique points towards a promising direction towards explosives trace detection. For

further details on Dr. Breshike’s work and research into infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy of

trace explosives and analytes, they may also refer to reference [8].


5 Standoff Sensing of CBRNE Hazards II


(conference presentation) [9].

Author(s): Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, Kenneth J. Ewing, U.S. Naval


Abstract:

We are developing a biomimetic chemical sensing method based on human color vision for

detection/discrimination of threat/non-threat chemicals on surfaces. Herein we describe a prototype

biomimetic sensor designed and built to evaluate the capability of this sensor for standoff detection of

threat chemicals on surfaces. We discuss the design and operation of this sensor and demonstrate its

ability to discriminate between various hazardous materials in a laboratory environment.

In this presentation, Dr. Major talked about standoff sensors, more specifically, the development of a

biomimetic chemical sensing method that he and his research team have worked on for the past number of

years, that would enable the warfighter to identify what threat may lie out there without having to be near

or in contact with the target. What is interesting about Dr. Major group’s research is that they are

developing a technology that is bio-inspired and based on a broadband infrared light source to assess the

target of interest. This is different from other technologies used for standoff proximate sensing in the

infrared sense, such as QCL or sources system. In a paper published by Dr. Major, et al. (2018), it is

mentioned that employing infrared spectroscopy in the field is a challenge for current technologies with

the main disadvantage being the need for a spectrometer that allows for fine spectral resolution

interrogation of characteristic chemical absorption frequencies [10]. However while FTIR systems have

been developed for field use, it still presents with the need for data collection and analysis of complete IR

spectra and includes disadvantages such as reduced selectivity or sensitivity [10]. What is very interesting

about Dr. Major’s presentation and research group’s work is that they describe the identification of

chemical vapours in the mid-IR region through the design of a sensor based on the detection principles of

human color vision. As he explained, the human eye uses three filters for highly selective colour vision,

their goal was to develop filter basing technologies to replicate human color vision in the IR region. This

is the region where the chemical information such as the vibrational absorption bands are found and

hence relates to identifiable information.

In his presentation, Dr. Major presented their standoff system called the Bio-inspired Threat Detection

System (BTDS). The BTDS current iteration consists of two modules; the first module, an infrared

collector (IC) uses a cooled mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) detector, a filter wheel with broadband

filters installed in front of the detector and an off-axis parabola to collect light. The second module, an

infrared (IR) illuminator includes the broadband blackbody source, an aperture wheel and an off-axis

parabola that focuses light downrange. These two modules combined make up the BTDS system and is

really a non-spectroscopic system, recording power through three IR filters. Dr. Major also showed data

collected with this system, which showed it to be a simple and straightforward data collection process,

such that the filtering is done in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) with the filtered root mean square (RMS)

signal calculated for each filter. He demonstrated spectral filtered mid-IR data collected for nerve agent

simulant dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and the interferent Standard Army Insect Repellant


(SAIR) with their system, as well as a comparison of operation of their BTDS system with a proven FTIR

system, in which BTDS results were compared to filtered FTIR data. Their results showed excellent

agreement between their system and the FTIR data, that their BTDS system can easily discriminate

between a nerve agent simulant (DMMP) and the chemical interferent (SAIR) and is operating as

expected. While Dr. Major showed that the BTDS system can collect data from

samples on surfaces at proximate standoff distances, the system itself is designed to test all the way to

distances up to 5 meters with further work involving testing to see how far they can push this and the

limits of the system.

Previous publication about the research group’s work in the area of optical-filtered chemical sensors have

demonstrated good agreement of their results between numerically filtered data model and the data

collected using their designed optical breadboard system using the biomimetic mammalian color-

detection approach [11]. The group’s development and utilization of IR filters to act in the same fashion

as that of the visible photopigments in the retina is a unique chromaticity approach to chemical sensing

with the potential of further enhancement to include additional human and machine learning inputs, such

that the infrared chromaticity (CIE-IR) chart they developed could be tailored for specific detection

scenarios [12].

What this presentation showed is an interesting approach to bioinspired sensing in the field of CBRNE

hazards and how future direction aims to develop, lower-cost, field-deployable instruments for warfighter

and first responders. The use of commercially available components to build their BTDS system also

offers advantage compared to other systems that include specifically manufactured-built components.


6 Other Presentation of Interest: Radiological and Nuclear Sensing

Under the radiological and nuclear sensing session there were two presentations, one of which was on

uranium isotopic analysis:

Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis (conference presentation) [13].

Author(s): K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Savannah River National Lab. (United States); Steven M. Serkiz,

Clemson Univ. (United States); Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Savannah River National Lab.

(United States); Darrell Simmons, Leigh R. Martin, Oak Ridge National Lab. (United States).

Dr. Fessler presented her group’s work on the development of a field-deployable IR spectroscopic

instrument and method for real-time analysis of uranium isotopes in UF6 gas samples. This is of

importance because according to Dr. Fessler, routine testing of such samples are performed by the

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at declared facilities as designated through international

treaties, of which it can take weeks to months until results are known. Thus, by developing a portable

system that can be connected directly to the process line for in-lab process analysis, real time

measurements can be be performed. She further states that since the in-lab technique does not alter the

sample, if required the samples could be sent for further testing to the labs. Currently, there are two types

of technology that are used to measure uranium isotopes and UF6 samples: radiometric and mass

spectrometry. The system they developed, called the High Performance Infrared or HPIR system, consists

of a patent-pending multi-pass cell design, a reference cell with N2O gas, and two MCT detectors. In her

presentation, she also showed data and results from a test campaign carried out at the Oak Ridge National

Laboratory testing their system capability. They measured nine UF6 samples with a wide range of

uranium isotopic content, and found that their HPIR system met or exceeded non-destructive analysis

(NDA) target values but not destructive analysis (DA) values. Furthermore, while their system could not

replace thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), which is the gold standard for isotope analysis in

terms of sensitivity and accurate, they showed that their system performed on par or better than another

technique called the radiometric technique, with less analytical time. Further developments on their HPIR

system will include looking at improving the system’s custom electronics, which would be expected to

result in decreased data readout time and improved processing with analytical sensitivity around 0.25%.

Nevertheless, Dr. Fessler demonstrated that the HPIR system could be measured with accuracy and

precision taking into account IAEA standards, namely NDA and DA international target values (ITVs).

Dr. Fessler’s work is of interest particulary to the field of nuclear forensics where trafficking and

enrichment of nuclear materials is of concern, particulary as nuclear enrichment may be indicative of

nuclear weapons. While, there are a number of enrichment processes, with respect to a commercial scale,

only two processes, the gaseous phase and centrifuge process have operated. In both of these processes,

the feed material is UF6 [2]. Hence, Dr. Fessler’s work on real-time analysis of UF6 gaseous samples

presents with an important contribution in determining the Uranium enrichment value. It should also be

noted that from a radiological viewpoint, Uranium is weakly radioactive, and the form, UF6, as presented

in Dr. Fessler’s presentation presents more significantly with a chemical toxicity than radiologically [2].

Thus, the method developed by Dr. Fessler, et al., provides us with a useful chemical analytical technique

in measurement of istopic content of a uranium sample, which in turn may help deduce the intended use

or type of source.


7 Conclusion

The SPIE Defense+ Commercial Sensing 2020 virtual digital forum showcased many interesting

presentations as related to CBRNE; however, there were very few presentations related to radiological

threats and the two presentations falling under this category within the CBRNE Sensing XXI forum

session focused primarily on optical spectroscopy instruments. Nevertheless, the digital forum offered a

chance to see what developments are currently being made and the opportunity to interact with

researchers, experts and scientists from around the globe. As the radiological and nuclear technology

group is a newly developed group within the CTTC umbrella, which also houses chemical, biological and

explosives threats, attendance and participation at the SPIE conference and other conferences within the

CBRNE program are highly recommended.


References/Bibliography....

[1] Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk, and

Roderick Kunz. Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer. SPIE Digital Library.

Proceedings Volume 11416 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE)

Sensing XXI. 2020. doi: 10.1117/12.2558158.

[2] World Nuclear Association. Uranium Enrichment. 2020. https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-

library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/conversion-enrichment-and-fabrication/uranium-enrichment.aspx

(Access date: 7 May 2020).

[3] Michael J. Kangas, Raychelle M. Burks, Jordyn Atwater, Rachel M. Lukowicz, Pat Williams, and

Andrea E. Holmes. Colorimetric sensor arrays for the detection and identification of chemical

weapons and explosives. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry. 2017. 47(2), 138–153.

doi: 10.1080/10408347.2016.1233805.

[4] Łukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, and Weronika Walczyk. Developing a novel network of CBRNe

sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current technologies. SPIE Digital Library.


Sensing XXI. 2020. doi: 10.1117/12.2558044.

[5] Christopher A. Kendziora, Christopher J. Breshike, Yohan Yoon, Robert Furstenberg, Tyler

Huffman, and R. Andrew McGill. A system for rapid standoff detection of trace explosives by active

infrared backscatter hyperspectral imaging. SPIE Digital Library. Proceedings Volume 11392,

Algorithms, Technologies, and Applications for Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imagery XXVI.

2020. doi: 10.1117/12.2558220.

[6] Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Yohan Yoon, Tyler

Huffman, Viet Nguyen, and R. Andrew McGill. Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff

detection of trace explosives. SPIE Digital Library. Proceedings Volume 11416 Chemical, Biological,

Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXI. 2020.

doi: 10.1117/12.2558485.

[7] Institute of Medicine, Committee on R&D Needs for Improving Civilian Medical Response to Chemical and Biological Terrorism Incidents. Washington (DC): National Academies Press. February 12, 1999. Chapter 4, 43–64.

[8] Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Viet Nguyen, Andrew

Kusterbeck, and R. Andrew McGill. Infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy of trace analytes at

standoff. Journal of Applied Physics. 2019. 125(10), 104901. doi: 10.1063/1.5079622.

[9] Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, and Kenneth J. Ewing. Design and

operation of a human color vision inspired sensor for proximate standoff detection. SPIE Digital

Library. Proceedings Volume 11416 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives

(CBRNE) Sensing XXI. 2020 doi: 10.1117/12.2558802.

https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/conversion-enrichment-and-fabrication/uranium-enrichment.aspx

https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/conversion-enrichment-and-fabrication/uranium-enrichment.aspx

https://doi.org/10.1080/10408347.2016.1233805

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/Christopher.Kendziora-92348

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/Christopher.Breshike-4011607

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/Yohan.Yoon-4120306

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/Robert.Furstenberg-90939

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/notfound?author=Tyler_Huffman

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/notfound?author=Tyler_Huffman

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/profile/R.-Andrew.McGill-19375

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/11392.toc

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/11392.toc

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2558220

https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5079622


[10] Kevin J. Major , Menalaos K. Poutous, Ishwar D. Aggarwal, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, and Kenneth J.

Ewing. Analytical procedure to assess the performance characteristics of a non-spectroscopic

infrared optical sensor for discrimination of chemical vapors. Applied Optics. 2018. 57(30),

8903–8913. doi: 10.1364/AO.57.008903.

[11] Kevin J. Major , Menalaos K. Poutous, Kevin F. Dunnill, Panfilo C. Deguzman, Jasbinder S.

Sanghera, Ishwar D. Aggarwal, and Kenneth J. Ewing. Biomimetic optical-filter detection system

for discrimination of infrared chemical signatures. Analytical Chemistry. 2016. 88(23),

11491–11497. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02674.

[12] Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, Ishwar D. Aggarwal, Mikella E. Farrell, Ellen L. Holthoff,

Paul M. Pellegrino, and Kenneth J. Ewing. Demonstration of a human color vision mimic in the

infrared. Analytical Chemistry. 2019. 91(21), 14058–14065. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03749.

[13] K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas F. DeRoller, Darrell Simmons, and Steven

M. Serkiz. Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis. SPIE Digital Library.


Sensing XXI. 2020. doi: 10.1117/12.2559314.

https://www.researchgate.net/deref/http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1364%2FAO.57.008903


List of Symbols/Abbreviations/Acronyms/Initialisms

BTDS

CBE

CBRNE

CIE-IR

CTTC

DA

DMMP

DND

DRDC

EU-SENSE

FTIR

HPIR

IAEA

IBIS

IR

ITV

LED

LIDAR

MATLAB

MCT

NDA

OSL

PETN

RMS

QCL

RDX

SAIR

SoS

SWaP

TIC

TIMS

TL

UAV

Bio-inspired Threat Detection System

Chemical, biological, explosive

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives

Infrared chromatography chart

Counter Terrorism and Technology Centre

Destructive analysis

Dimethyl methylphosphonate

Department of National Defence

Defence Research and Development Canada

European Sensor System for CBRN Applications

Fourier transform infrared

High Performance Infrared

International Atomic Energy Agency

Infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy

Infrared

International target value

Light emitting diodes

Light Detection and Ranging

Matrix Laboratory

Mercury-cadmium-telluride

Non-destructive analysis

Optically stimulated luminescence

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Root mean square

Quantum cascade laser

Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine

Standard Army Insect Repellant

System of Systems

Low size, weight and power, wearable, colorimetric chemical sensor

Toxic industrial chemicals

Thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Thermoluminescence

Unmanned arial vehicle

DOCUMENT CONTROL DATA *Security markings for the title, authors, abstract and keywords must be entered when the document is sensitive

1. ORIGINATOR (Name and address of the organization preparing the document. A DRDC Centre sponsoring a contractor's report, or tasking agency, is entered in Section 8.)

DRDC – Suffield Research Centre Defence Research and Development Canada P.O. Box 4000, Station Main Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6 Canada

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3. TITLE (The document title and sub-title as indicated on the title page.)

Virtual Trip Report: SPIE Defense+ Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020

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Moise, H.; Byrne, C.

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September 2020

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Reference Document

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12. KEYWORDS, DESCRIPTORS or IDENTIFIERS (Use semi-colon as a delimiter.)

Sensors; Spectrometer; Stand-off Detection; CBRNE (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive); Chemical Sensing; Biomimetic Sensor; Explosives; Detection; Radiation

13. ABSTRACT (When available in the document, the French version of the abstract must be included here.)

This document provides a brief summary and report on five select presentations within the CBRNE stream that were seen during the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXI online conference session under the umbrella of the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020, which may be of great interest and relevance within CBRNE research at the Counter Terrorism and Technology Centre (CTTC) at Defense Research and Development Canada’s Suffield Research Centre. Future research work in these areas are also included. The following presentations are presented in this report (ordered as per date viewed online):

Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer. Author(s): Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk, Roderick Kunz, MIT Lincoln Lab. (United States).

Developing a novel network of CBRNe sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current technologies. Author(s): Lukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, Weronika M. Walczyk, ITTI Sp. z o.o. (Poland).

Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff detection of trace explosives. Author(s): Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, U.S. Naval Research Lab. (United States); Yohan Yoon, American Society for Engineering Education (United States); Tyler J. Huffman, National Research Council (United States); Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill, U.S. Naval Research Lab. (United States).

Design and operation of a human color vision inspired sensor for proximate standoff detection (conference presentation). Author(s): Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, Kenneth J. Ewing, U.S. Naval Research Lab. (United States).

Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis. Author(s): K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Savannah River National Lab. (United States); Steven M. Serkiz, Clemson Univ. (United States); Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Savannah River National Lab. (United States); Darrell Simmons, Leigh R. Martin, Oak Ridge National Lab. (United States).

Ce document de référence fournit un bref résumé et un rapport sur cinq présentations portant sur les armes chimiques, biologiques, radiologiques, nucléaires et explosives (CBRNE) qui ont été données dans le cadre de la conférence Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXI, organisée dans le cadre du SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Digital Forum 2020, qui peut s’avérer d’un grand intérêt et d’une grande pertinence pour la recherche CBRNE au Centre de technologie antiterroriste (CTA) à Centre de recherches de Suffield de Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada. De futurs travaux de recherche dans ces domaines sont également inclus. Les présentations suivantes sont indiquées dans le présent rapport (en ordre selon la date de consultation en ligne)

Chemical sensing via a low SWaP wearable spectrometer (La détection chimique au moyen d’un spectromètre portable à faible SWaP). Auteurs: Richard P. Kingsborough, Alexandra T. Wrobel, Devon Beck, Lauren Cantley, Shane Tysk, Roderick Kunz, MIT Lincoln Lab. (États-Unis).

Developing a novel network of CBRNE sensors in response to existing capability gaps in current technologies (Mise sur pied d’un nouveau réseau de capteurs CBRNE pour pallier les lacunes existantes des technologies actuelles). Auteurs: Lukasz Szklarski, Patryk Maik, Weronika M. Walczyk, ITTI Sp. z o.o. (Pologne).

Rapid detection of infrared backscatter for standoff detection of trace explosives (Détection rapide de la rétrodiffusion infrarouge pour la détection de traces d'explosifs). Auteurs: Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, U.S. Naval

Research Lab. (États-Unis); Yohan Yoon, American Society for Engineering Education (États-Unis); Tyler J. Huffman, National Research Council (États-Unis); Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill, U.S. Naval Research Lab. (États-Unis).

Design and operation of a human color vision inspired sensor for proximate standoff detection (conference presentation) (Conception et exploitation d'un capteur inspiré de la vision des couleurs humaines pour la détection de l'impasse [présentation de la conférence]). Auteurs: Kevin J. Major, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, L. Brandon Shaw, Kenneth J. Ewing, U.S. Naval Research Lab. (États-Unis).

Infrared spectroscopic method for uranium isotopic analysis (Méthode spectroscopique infrarouge pour l'analyse isotopique de l'uranium). Auteurs: K. Alicia Strange Fessler, Savannah River National Lab. (États-Unis); Steven M. Serkiz, Clemson Univ. (États-Unis); Patrick E. O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Savannah River National Lab. (États-Unis); Darrell Simmons, Leigh R. Martin, Oak Ridge National Lab. (États-Unis).

virtual trip report

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