Field Demonstration of a Distributed Microsensor Network for Chemical Detection

Area of Science:

• Chemical sensing
• Environmental monitoring
• Sensor networks

Background:

• Development of the ABEAM-15, a custom-built multiplexed reflectance device.
• Instrument features fifteen sensing elements, wireless communication, battery support, and autonomous operation.
• Two housing options available: compact indoor and weather-sealed outdoor.

Discussion:

• Extension of six-plex algorithms to a 15-plex format for enhanced analysis.
• Implementation of algorithms on a laptop for real-time data processing.
• Successful outdoor field trials conducted in Denver, CO, simulating a stadium security scenario.

Key Insights:

• Demonstrated a six-instrument, star-point topology distributed microsensor network.
• Configured wireless modules for live reporting and real-time data analysis.
• Tested network performance using methyl salicylate aerosols for plume detection.

Outlook:

• Potential applications in security, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety.
• Future development may involve further algorithm refinement and network scalability.
• The ABEAM-15 offers a versatile platform for advanced chemical plume detection.