SEDONA: SpEctroscopic Detection Of Nerve Agents
Established in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards is the only S&T (science and technology) awards competition that recognizes new commercial products, technologies and materials for their technological significance that are available for sale or license. The R&D 100 Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence for industry sectors as diverse as telecommunications, high-energy physics, software, manufacturing, and biotechnology. This 2021 R&D 100 winner is listed below, along with its respective category.
Category: Analytical/Test
Developers: Los Alamos National Laboratory
United States
Product Description:In the wake of 9/11, airport security ramped up significantly to ensure public safety. However, there is still no detection system in place for chemical nerve agents. An airport-compliant 3.4-oz (100 ml) bottle containing a nerve agent could result in injury or fatality of onboard passengers. A life-saving detection system that is practical for a dynamic environment is urgently needed. Los Alamos National Laboratory has created the first portable nerve agent detector. SEDONA (SpEctroscopic Detection Of Nerve Agents) can automatically detect whether a bottle of liquid or a travel tube of toothpaste contains a nerve agent threat in only 8 sec. Screening occurs through the bottle or tube, as opening the container could result in widespread exposure. The combination of advanced permanent magnet technology, probe and electronics design and unique spectral fingerprinting of nerve agents enables SEDONA to be portable, accurate and rapid — offering results ten times faster than leading competitor technology. SEDONA dramatically reduces the likelihood of a successful nerve agent attack at airports and other venues.
Developers: Los Alamos National Laboratory
United States
Product Description:In the wake of 9/11, airport security ramped up significantly to ensure public safety. However, there is still no detection system in place for chemical nerve agents. An airport-compliant 3.4-oz (100 ml) bottle containing a nerve agent could result in injury or fatality of onboard passengers. A life-saving detection system that is practical for a dynamic environment is urgently needed. Los Alamos National Laboratory has created the first portable nerve agent detector. SEDONA (SpEctroscopic Detection Of Nerve Agents) can automatically detect whether a bottle of liquid or a travel tube of toothpaste contains a nerve agent threat in only 8 sec. Screening occurs through the bottle or tube, as opening the container could result in widespread exposure. The combination of advanced permanent magnet technology, probe and electronics design and unique spectral fingerprinting of nerve agents enables SEDONA to be portable, accurate and rapid — offering results ten times faster than leading competitor technology. SEDONA dramatically reduces the likelihood of a successful nerve agent attack at airports and other venues.
SEDONA: SpEctroscopic Detection Of Nerve Agents