August 1, 2008--Intevac Photonics, a division of Intevac (Santa Clara, CA), announced that its DeltaNu business unit was awarded a $1.029 million contract from the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop advanced Raman spectroscopy systems for both military and civilian applications for detection of toxic material and pathogens. Under this year-long contract, new capabilities for ultra-sensitive detection and detection at long distances will be developed.
"With their ability to rapidly detect hazardous materials, DeltaNu's advanced, high-performance Raman systems enable soldiers to be more effective," said Keith Carron, DeltaNu's VP and GM. "When life-threatening materials can be detected in seconds, countermeasures can be quickly developed and implemented immediately in the field to significantly improve troop survivability." Carron added, "While these sophisticated military HAZMAT identification systems are designed to increase human safety in battlefield settings, they are also vital for civilian applications, including the fast detection of toxic materials involved in accidental chemical spills and other dangerous situations that require rapid material identification for the preservation of life and natural resources."
Intevac Photonics provides high-sensitivity imaging products, vision systems, and miniature Raman instruments. Markets addressed include military, industrial, physical science, and life science.
For more information on Intevac, visit www.intevac.com.
For more information on Raman spectroscopy, see these related Laser Focus World articles:
Raman technique improves imaging 1000 times: www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/330737
Raman spectroscopy helps law enforcement take a bite out of crime: www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/329476
Micro-Raman spectra explore carbon nanotube geometry: www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/317040