Microcantilever detector for explosives

Patent · Tue Jun 29 00:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:6413081

Thundat, T G

Methods and apparatus for detecting the presence of explosives by analyzing a vapor sample from the suspect vicinity utilize at least one microcantilever. Explosive gas molecules which have been adsorbed onto the microcantilever are subsequently heated to cause combustion. Heat, along with momentum transfer from combustion, causes bending and a transient resonance response of the microcantilever which may be detected by a laser diode which is focused on the microcantilever and a photodetector which detects deflection of the reflected laser beam caused by heat-induced deflection and resonance response of the microcantilever. 2 figs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5918263; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 9-052252
• OSTI ID: 6413081
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 31 Mar 1998
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
ADSORBENTS
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DESIGN
DETECTION
HEATING
LASER RADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHOTODETECTORS
VAPORS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EXPLOSIVES
FLUIDS
GASES
RADIATIONS
450100* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
440800 - Miscellaneous Instrumentation- (1990-)