Detection Category: Bio-Aerosol Standoff Detector
Model Number: LCAS-1
The LCAS Biostandoff Detection System provides volumetric coverage of critical-infrastructure outdoors, indoors, and semi-enclosed spaces with continuous near-real time surveillance of the air volume and nearly instantaneous detection reported in less than 1 minute. Key functions include standoff detection, tracking and discriminating of bio-warfare agents, and then issuing alerts through a network in near-real time.
This capability supports DHS “Detect-to-Warn” sensor requirements established in 2005 by leveraging technologies created under the DARPA-SUVOS program usingLIDAR-based, laser-induced fluorescence and Ultraviolet + Infrared back-scatter.
LCAS rapidly detects regions with a high concentration of particulate matter in the air, and then optically determines if the particles could be from any of the four classes of bio-warfare agents (spores, vegetative bacteria, toxins, viruses). LCAS has demonstrated a sensitivity range of 1,000 particles per liter of air to 100,000 ppl of air in indoor spaces. LCAS is designed to be installed at a location, either permanently or for special events with a very short set-up time, and can rapidly scan an air volume 24/7 either in autonomous or supervised mode. This product offers moderately low life-cycle costs and extremely low operational costs due to no required consumables such as assays, fluids, tickets, etc.
LCAS is a portable eye safe Class 1M laser product that presents no radiation hazards and does not interfere with electrical systems. It also creates no signatures readily detectable by building occupants.
Application: Real-time detection and discrimination of biological agent clouds or sprays out to 250 meters and concentrations as low as 1,000 particles per liter for critical infrastructure protection and rapid response needs…The only consumable is electricity.
Specific Biological Agents Detected: Airborne spores, bacteria, virus, and toxins to 250 meters
Standard Operating Procedure for Sample Preparation: The LCAS Biostandoff Detection System resembles a dual-optic camera on a tripod with laptop and electronics box, and is set up and operated as such…Set-up time is approximately 30 minutes.
Type of Sample: Airborne spores, bacteria, virus, and toxins
Calibration Requirements: None
Start-up Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Response Time: 1 minute
Time for Data Analysis: Real-time
Sensitivity for Each Biological Agent: 1,000 particles per liter demonstrated for spores, bacteria, virus, and toxins
Specificity for Each Biological Agent: Detection and Bio/Non-Bio Discrimination
Resistance to Interferants: Support Vector Machine separation of 97.8% reported by JPEO-CBD on 14 Feb 08 for August 2007 Dugway testing of 25 single agents versus 11 single interferents.
Testing Information: Tested at Dugway Proving Ground against biological agents, interferents, and simulants in August 2007 by JPEO-CBD…Tested in background critical infrastructure environment at Grand Central Terminal in September 2007.
Size: Three parts in 14 cubic feet total volume
Working Space: 16 square feet (suggested)
Weight (Including Batteries): 240 pounds (including environmental controller)
Weight of Support Equipment and Consumables: No consumables
Power Requirements and Capabilities: 6 amps at 110 volts, with 15 amps peak power (environmental controller).
Mobility/Transportability: Transportable in poly cases over gound and via commercial air…LCAS Biostandoff Detection System can be mounted on a wall, tripod, or vehicle.
Durability: Because we use a ruggedized architecture of commercial components leveraging our work for the DoD’s JBSDS Program, we have encountered no hardware or software failures during two years of field testing campaigns…Commercial component lifetime at 5,000+ hours.
Ease of Use: Train-up for a high school graduate equivalent with the 31-page User Manual and our hands-on instruction requires not more than one day…LCAS Biostandoff Detection System can be controlled from an operations center and networked via internet or intranet, either hardwire or wireless.
Environmental Conditions: LCAS Biostandoff Detection System contains an environmental control unit, and has been employed indoors in critical infrastructure as well as outdoors in Government test facilities from temperate Winter to desert Summer.
Support Equipment: For PMCS, optical cleaning towelettes…Line or generator power.
Consumables Required: None
Preventative Maintenance Required: Daily or weekly checks for cable connectivity, cleanliness of optical surfaces, and any software BIT/warning messages…Software interface can be networked via internet or intranet.
Ability to be Stored: LCAS Biostandoff Detection System is composed of commercial electronic and optical components, and can be stored as one would store a laptop computer.
Decontamination Method: Decon towelettes, or soap with low-pressure water.
Operator Skills Required: High school graduate
Training Required: One day
Training Available: Yes, at vendor
Manuals Available: Yes, we are using a 31-page User Manual
Data Storage: Laptop computer and USB data transfer
Communications Interface Capability: Yes, interface provided to internet or intranet for system communication and operation.
Security: Password protected
Warranty: 2-year, 100% coverage against component defect or failure.
Safety Requirements: Third-party certfication for eye-safety and fail-safe performace completed on 10 March 2008 by Rockwell Laser Industries (RLI).
Applicable Regulations: CDRH 21 CFR and IEC 60825-1