US Department of Homeland Security to demonstrate chemical sensors for cell phones

DHS S&T Directorate will show new technology that would bring chemical sensing capabilities to mobiles

On October 27, the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate will demonstrate new technology that would bring chemical sensing capabilities to cellular phones. Three different researchers have produced first generation laboratory prototypes and will demonstrate them at San Diego State University Regional Technology Center.

The programme, called Cell-All, is designed to provide greater detection capabilities in areas where people congregate. The concept allows for chemical agent detectors to ultimately be everywhere where there are cellular telephones. At the option of the cell phone owner, the GPS in the phone could provide sensor location information to emergency operation centres. While still years from implementation, researchers are working on the proof of concept before attempting full-scale miniaturisation. This demonstration will provide a look at the state of the science to date.

WHO:                DHS Science & Technology Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA); NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.; Qualcomm Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Rhevision Technology Inc., San Diego, Calif.; and Seacoast Science, San Diego, Calif.

WHAT:             Media availability and multi-manufacturer demonstration of the Cell-All chemical sensor technology.

WHEN:             Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 2:00 p.m. PST

WHERE:         San Diego State University; Chemical Sciences Laboratory Building, Room 122; Corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive; San Diego, Calif.  92182