Title :
Optical Techniques for Detecting and Identifying Biological-Warfare Agents
Author :
Greenwood, Darryl P. ; Jeys, Thomas H. ; Johnson, Bernadette ; Richardson, Jonathan M. ; Shatz, Michael P.
Author_Institution :
MIT Lincoln Lab., Lexington, MA
fDate :
6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Rapid and accurate detection and identification of biological agents is an objective of various national security programs. Detection in general is difficult owing to natural clutter and anticipated low concentrations of subject material. Typical detection architectures comprise a nonspecific trigger, a rapid identifier, and a confirming step, often in a laboratory. High-confidence identification must be made prior to taking action, though this must be traded against regrets stemming from delay. Sensing requirements are best established by positing plausible scenarios, two of which are suggested herein. Modern technologies include the use of elastic scatter and ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence for triggering and standoff detection. Optical and nonoptical techniques are used routinely in analyzing clinical samples used to confirm infection and illness resulting from a biological attack. Today, environmental sensing serves at best as an alert to medical authorities for possible action, which would include sample collection and detailed analysis. This paper surveys the state of the art of sensing at all levels.
Keywords :
bio-optics; biohazards; biosensors; diseases; fluorescence; laser applications in medicine; national security; biological attack; biological-warfare agents; elastic scatter; environmental sensing; national security; optical techniques; standoff detection; ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence; Biological materials; Biomedical optical imaging; Delay; Laboratories; Laser modes; National security; Optical detectors; Optical materials; Optical scattering; Optical sensors; Biological agents; fluorescence; medical diagnostics; particles; scatter; standoff sensing;
Journal_Title :
Proceedings of the IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/JPROC.2009.2013564