Abstract: It is described a process for the production of metal halide-based nanoparticles endowed with optoelectronic activity and characterized by an improved stability against polar solvents and laser irradiation compared to metal halide nanoparticles of the prior art.

Abstract: A laser autocollimator assembly that provides an objective, unambiguous, and simple means to achieve precise (for example, arc second or sub arc-second) alignment between the laser autocollimator assembly and a reference surface. The laser autocollimator assembly relies on optical parasitic interference between a reflected beam from the reference surface and the laser beam in the laser cavity that, when alignment is achieved, results in a disruption of the action of the laser, resulting in a reduction in the output power level of the laser beam. By monitoring the power level of the laser beam, for example monitoring the power level of the reflected beam, it can be determined that alignment has been achieved when the power level of the laser beam has been reduced to a minimum level. The power level can be automatically monitored, thereby eliminating the need for user interpretation.

Abstract: A laser autocollimator assembly that provides an objective, unambiguous, and simple means to achieve precise (for example, arc second or sub arc-second) alignment between the laser autocollimator assembly and a reference surface. The laser autocollimator assembly relies on optical parasitic interference between a reflected beam from the reference surface and the laser beam in the laser cavity that, when alignment is achieved, results in a disruption of the action of the laser, resulting in a reduction in the output power level of the laser beam. By monitoring the power level of the laser beam, for example monitoring the power level of the reflected beam, it can be determined that alignment has been achieved when the power level of the laser beam has been reduced to a minimum level. The power level can be automatically monitored, thereby eliminating the need for user interpretation.

Abstract: A CBRNE detection system and method for operating same are disclosed. The method provides a relatively increased Probability of Detection and a relatively decreased Probability of False Alarms for a networked system of detectors. In the illustrative embodiment, a central controller of the system is capable of receiving information from individual CBRNE detectors and of determining whether or not to issue an alarm indicating that a CBRNE event has occurred. Data obtained from individual CBRNE detectors is evaluated based on one or more “sensor alert-to-system alarm” processing modes. The various processing modes specify the requirements that must be satisfied before a system-wide “alarm” is issued.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting the release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent are disclosed. In some embodiments, a microphone is used to continuously monitor sound and acquire acoustic data and a sensor is used to substantially continuously monitor a property that is related to a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The acoustic data is analyzed for a signature that is distinguishable from background sound. The sensor data is analyzed for an event that is indicative of the release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The acoustic signature, and the time at which it is observed, is used to corroborate the sensor data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting the release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent are disclosed. In some embodiments, a microphone is used to continuously monitor sound and acquire acoustic data and a sensor is used to substantially continuously monitor a property that is related to a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The acoustic data is analyzed for a signature that is distinguishable from background sound. The sensor data is analyzed for an event that is indicative of the release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The acoustic signature, and the time at which it is observed, is used to corroborate the sensor data.

Abstract: A system and method for screening inter-modal shipping containers for the presence of weapons-of-mass-destruction, such as chemical-warfare agents, biological-warfare agents, radiological materials, nuclear material, or explosives, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for improving the ability of a detection system to distinguish between a “true attack” as opposed to a nominal increase in a monitored environmental characteristic.

Abstract: A sample under test containing non-live and/or live particulates is subject to optical excitation on a single particle-by-particle basis or as a small group of particulates sufficient to induce a subsequent fluorescence emission that is observed for a selected period of time by a sensor, typically a photomultiplier tube. The output of the sensor is representative of the intensity or amplitude of the fluorescence emission while the decrease in that intensity or amplitude with time is representative of the decay rate of the fluorescence emission. Those particulates exhibiting a decay rate “faster” than a threshold decay rate, which is determined empirically for the class of biological agents of interest, are identified as living while those particulates exhibiting decay rate “slower” than a threshold decay rate, which is also determined empirically for the class of biological agents of interest, are identified as a non-live interferant.

Abstract: A CBRNE detection system and method for operating same are disclosed. The method provides a relatively increased Probability of Detection and a relatively decreased Probability of False Alarms for a networked system of detectors. In the illustrative embodiment, a central controller of the system is capable of receiving information from individual CBRNE detectors and of determining whether or not to issue an alarm indicating that a CBRNE event has occurred. Data obtained from individual CBRNE detectors is evaluated based on one or more “sensor alert-to-system alarm” processing modes. The various processing modes specify the requirements that must be satisfied before a system-wide “alarm” is issued.

Abstract: A system and method for screening inter-modal shipping containers for the presence of weapons-of-mass-destruction, such as chemical-warfare agents, biological-warfare agents, radiological materials, nuclear material, or explosives, is disclosed.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of networked detectors for detecting chemical, biological, or radiological, nuclear, or explosive agents is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of remote units, wherein each remote unit includes a robotic base, a lift, a sensor module, transceiver, navigation system, and power source. The remote units communicate with a base station, which receives data from the remotes and determines, based on the data, if an alarm condition exists.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for improving the ability of a detection system to distinguish between a “true attack” as opposed to a nominal increase in a monitored environmental characteristic.

Abstract: An autonomously-cleaned conditioning system conducts a routine purge cycle to clear accumulated particulates from a filter, concentrator, or both. The purge cycle is conducted by reversing air flow through the filter and/or concentrator. Air flow is reversed on a periodic basis or on the occurrence of a condition, such as a reduction in air flow exiting the concentrator.

Abstract: A screening system for screening passengers is disclosed. The system includes a floor grating having underlying rotating brushes that are installed in access ways at public venues (e.g., doors, turnstiles, escalators, etc.). As each passenger steps on the grating, the rotating brushes remove traces of material from the soles of that passenger's shoes and the material is analyzed for the presence of CBRNE agents via appropriate local detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for improving the ability of a detection system to distinguish between a “true attack” as opposed to a nominal increase in a monitored environmental characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for improving the ability of a detection system to distinguish between a “true attack” as opposed to a nominal increase in a monitored environmental characteristic.

Abstract: An autonomously-cleaned conditioning system conducts a routine purge cycle to clear accumulated particulates from a filter, concentrator, or both. The purge cycle is conducted by reversing air flow through the filter and/or concentrator. Air flow is reversed on a periodic basis or on the occurrence of a condition, such as a reduction in air flow exiting the concentrator.

Abstract: An autonomously-cleaned conditioning system conducts a routine purge cycle to clear accumulated particulates from a filter, concentrator, or both. The purge cycle is conducted by reversing air flow through the filter and/or concentrator. Air flow is reversed on a periodic basis or on the occurrence of a condition, such as a reduction in air flow exiting the concentrator.