Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining a radar cross section (RCS) of countermeasure units such as chaff that utilizes ground level testing. An antenna platform is provided that is mounted to a support member at ground level and includes a radar transmit antenna disposed on the antenna platform, a radar receive antenna disposed on the antenna platform, and radar attenuating material disposed on the antenna platform linearly between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna for attenuating linear transmission of signals between the transmit antenna to the receive antenna. Additionally, low power transmitters used to enable safe ground testing are coupled to the transmit antenna for transmitting radar RF signals toward dispersed countermeasure units above the platform and also network analyzers coupled to the receive antenna that are capable of measuring the low power RF signals reflected by the dispersed countermeasure units.

Abstract: A method for the fluorescence detection of metal ions and other environmental hazards utilizing ligand functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles. Synthesis of the non-toxic, air, and water stable nanoparticles has been optimized. The fluorescent nanoparticles of the present invention are made from varying ratios of metals including zinc, silver, copper, and indium and sulfur. By varying the ratios of these metals we are able to synthesize nanoparticles that emit over a large range of the visible spectrum. Charge transfer between a target molecule and the nanoparticle is readily identified by a fluorescence change allowing for a fast, simple, visual detection system without the need for expensive analytical instrumentation.

Abstract: The synthesis of AgInS2 based quantum dots and their use as fluorometric probes for the selective detection of nitroaromatic explosive chemicals, without the use of ligands specific to nitroaromatic explosive chemicals. These quantum dots allow the detection of nitroaromatic explosive molecules by eye. The present invention also represents a simple patterning method for quantum dots on substrates, including low cost filter paper. The ease of fabrication, use of less toxic materials, and the selectivity to nitroaromatic explosive chemicals results in a practical solution to the development of a portable fluorescent probe based on quantum dots for the detection of nitroaromatic explosive chemicals.

Abstract: A testing element, and methods of use therefor, for the detection of target analytes, for example metal ions and other environmental hazards, utilizing ligand functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles on a substrate. The non-toxic, air, and water stable fluorescent nanoparticles of the present invention are made from varying ratios of metals including zinc, silver, copper, and indium and sulfur. By varying the ratios of these metals nanoparticles can be synthesized that emit over a large range of the visible spectrum. Charge transfer between a target analyte and the nanoparticle is readily identified by a fluorescence change allowing for a fast, simple, visual detection system without the need for expensive analytical instrumentation. The test element can have more than one type of functionalized fluorescent nanoparticle which allows for the detection of multiple target analytes using a single test element.

Abstract: A wholly organic coating consisting of one or more layers of Py-BBL that is transparent in the IR region of the spectrum which is also thermally and oxdatively stable. This is coated onto IR transparent windows, domes and or optical lenses, for enhanced IR and signal filtering.

Abstract: An increased plasmon resonance frequency stability drawn from a refractive index gradient spanning negative and positive values includes a two-dimensional array of tapered nanowells. A multilayer of alternating materials is associated with the two-dimensional array of tapered nanowells. The multilayer of alternating materials are alternating layers of electrical conductors and electrical insulators.

Abstract: A selective area atomic layer deposition process and apparatus that can deposit conductive materials onto one homopolymer region in a diblock copolymer. The diblock copolymer generates a large area self assembled substrate with nanoscale homopolymer regions arrayed into predictable patterns. Combining these two technologies allows formation of plasmonic surfaces without expensive lithographic processing.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system includes at least one light source in the line of sight of at least one substance of interest. At least one thermal imager is in the line of sight of the substance of interest and is associated with the light source. The light source is configured to selectively transmit infrared wavelengths in the range of about 2 to 25 microns to irradiate the substance of interest. The thermal imager is configured to detect thermal responses of the irradiated substance of interest.

Abstract: A plasmonic array and methods of fabricating having a substrate, a layer of elastomeric material cured in nanowell or nanopost features, a fluorescent layer, and a plasmonic metal layer on top.

Abstract: A fumeless latent fingerprint detection system using fluorescent particles.