Advanced Chemical Warfare Agent (ACWA) OEM Sensor Module

As the world leader in the development of surface acoustic wave (SAW) chemical sensors, we have developed a 4th generation sensor platform array for the detection of nerve and blister agents in harsh environments. This sensor platform features improved agent detection levels and response times, and is designed to be used as a component part module in a variety of applications. This platform is the next step in the evolution of our proven SAW technology, which has been extensively tested and deployed in hundreds of locations for CWA detection.

Principle of Operation

SAW chemical sensors are piezoelectric crystals that detect the mass of chemical vapors absorbed into chemically selective coatings on the sensor’s surface. This absorption causes a change in the resonant frequency of the sensor. The internal microcomputer measures this change and uses it to determine the presence and concentration of chemical agents. SAW sensor polymer coatings have unique physical properties which result in a rapid, reversible desorption of chemical vapors.

Sample Collection

The ACWA sampling system collects and concentrates a vapor (air) sample prior to analysis. This technique offers two key advantages: enrichment of the sample concentration and rejection of potential vapor interferences. It enables a time-phased analysis of the chemical vapors as they are detected by the SAW sensor array.