Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of chemical detection. Specifically, the invention provides devices that respond quickly to various target chemical analytes present in the environment. Responses are based on a change in an electrical property (such as impedance or resistance) caused by adsorption or absorption of the target analyte(s) to or in a substrate-free chemical sensing element. The chemical sensing element is composed of a thin, electrically conductive polymer material (due to doping of structural polymer material(s) with electrically conductive particles and/or the use of electrically conductive polymer material(s)), which can allow vapors to pass through with little pressure drop. The chemical sensing material is either suspended in the environment, or emplaced adjacent to one or between two porous membranes, resulting in a sensing patch capable of high gas or vapor flux through the chemical sensing element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of chemical detection. Specifically, the invention provides devices that respond quickly to various target chemical analytes present in the environment. Responses are based on a change in an electrical property (such as impedance or resistance) caused by adsorption or absorption of the target analyte(s) to or in a substrate-free chemical sensing element. The chemical sensing element is composed of a thin, electrically conductive polymer material (due to doping of structural polymer material(s) with electrically conductive particles and/or the use of electrically conductive polymer material(s)), which can allow vapors to pass through with little pressure drop. The chemical sensing material is either suspended in the environment, or emplaced adjacent to one or between two porous membranes, resulting in a sensing patch capable of high gas or vapor flux through the chemical sensing element.

Abstract: A detection system for identifying an unknown substance includes a detector assembly configured to receive a particulate or vapor and determine a substance contained within the collected vapor or particulate sample, and at least one heater element operatively coupled in flow communication with the detector assembly. The heater element is configured to attract an airborne vapor when the detection system is in a vapor mode, and desorb at least a portion of the attracted particulate when the detection system is in a particulate mode.

Abstract: A detection system for identifying an unknown substance includes a detector assembly configured to receive a particulate or vapor and determine a substance contained within the collected vapor or particulate sample, and at least one heater element operatively coupled in flow communication with the detector assembly. The heater element is configured to attract an airborne vapor when the detection system is in a vapor mode, and desorb at least a portion of the attracted particulate when the detection system is in a particulate mode.