The Integrated Detection of Hazardous Materials David S. Koltick Center for Sensing Science and Technology Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 Abstract. The goal of this research effort is to combine a number of high quality detection techniques together in order to identify hazardous materials. These techniques include (1) elemental analysis for hazardous materials using neutron interrogation and gamma ray spectrum analysis techniques as well as associated a-particle imaging techniques, (2) ion mobility using new miniaturized instrumentation in simple ion trap instruments, (3) point-of-need chemical analysis systems for analyses in aqueous systems using antibody arrays on micro-chips, (4) micro-sensors using advanced scanning probe microscope (SPM) technique on gold and silicon surfaces coated with antibodies and antigen in both dry and aqueous environments. The combination of several of these techniques into a single decision process gives broad response capability with a reduction in false signals. INTRODUCTION The detection of hazardous materials has become critical in the present terrorist threat environment. The spectrum of possible threats range from biological and chemical warfare agents, to explosive and radiological materials and even simply mechanical threats such as knives and guns. This broad range of threats cannot be sensed with a single technology or discipline. Because of this we have established the Center for Sensing Science and Technology (CSST) at Purdue University[1]. The Center has 10 tasks or groups that are focused on specialized areas which contribute to the Integrated Detection of Hazardous Materials (IDHM) Program. This paper will discuss only 3 of the focus areas as an illustration of the Center's approach. NEUTRON INTERROGATION A common problem is to protect a building, ship or other area using a portal inspection system. A gun or conventional bomb in luggage can be identified by forming an x-ray shadow image of the object, due to the device's unique mechanical form. However, as an example, for chemical warfare threats there is no unique physical form to search for. These agents work directly on the functioning of the human body. If the agent is in a sealed container, it must be identified by its chemical composition, without opening the container. However, the problem is made more complex because the allowed interrogation time is limited to about 10 seconds, if large numbers of containers are to be examined. Neutron interrogation technology is an excellent candidate technology to solve this problem. A striking feature of chemical compounds is that their elemental composition as a function of density gives an identifying fingerprint, allowing separation of a large number of substances[2,3]. While a combination of elements does not mean that a substance under investigation has a particular chemical composition, and while this method alone cannot differentiate a simple mixture from a true chemical compound, it can be used as a powerful sorting technique. Typically, H, C, N and O ratios are studied. More importantly, chemical agents contain additional markers such as F, Cl, P, As and S that can provide an additional tag, allowing a second level of checks that further help to differentiate a sample of concern from ordinary materials. If a sample can be shown to contain a certain mix of elements in ratios similar to those of chemical agents as well as specific elemental markers, there is a good chance that this sample should be CP680, Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry: 17th Int'l. Conference, edited by J. L. Duggan and I. L. Morgan © 2003 American Institute of Physics 0-7354-0149-7/03/$20.00 835 handled in a specific manner and further tests would handled in a specific manner and further tests would be highly recommended. be highly recommended. available in systems which attempt to gain decision available in systems which attempt to gain decision speed by using large area detectors with poorer speed by using large area detectors with poorer resolution. Because the gamma ray spectrum is so resolution. Because the gamma ray spectrum is so sharp, strong uninteresting signals do not over power sharp, strong uninteresting signals do not over power and wash out more subtle effects. This means that and wash out more subtle effects. This means that small quantities of threat materials can be searched for small quantities of threat materials can be searched for in shorterperiods periodsofoftime. time. in shorter To accomplish this analysis, neutrons produced by To accomplish this analysis, neutrons produced by an associated particle neutron generator with a flux up an associated particle neutron generator with a flux up toto1010^8neutrons per second is used to excite a sample. neutrons per second is used to excite a sample. AAtotal flux of on aa total flux of approximately approximately 10^ 109 neutrons neutrons on luggage-sized container is sufficient to produce luggage-sized container is sufficient to produce enough enoughy-ray γ-rayradiation radiation that that elemental elemental tags tags for for many many chemical agents can be identified. Common chemical agents can be identified. Common materials materials and and chemical chemical agents agents can can be be differentiated differentiated by by aa comparison of the elemental content at a second step. comparison of the elemental content at a second step. The system system also alsocontains containstwo twocalibration calibrationmonitors monitors The on each side of the container used to normalize on each side of the container used to normalize thethe comparison of of the the scan scan toto pre-stored pre-stored background background comparison 9 9 spectra. A scan would consist of approximately spectra. A scan would consist of approximately 1010 neutrons passing passingthrough throughthe thecontainer. container. neutrons J Reference rS Neutron A system systemdiagram diagramisisshown shownininFigure Figure2.2. A Accelerator Head _ I I Monitor Associated Alpha (end view) Particle Detector HPGe Gamma Detector HPGe Gamma Detector Shielding Continuous Conveyor Neutron Monitor Figure1.1.An Anassociated associatedparticle particle neutron neutron generator generator based Figure based sealedcontainer containerscanning scanningsystem. system. sealed Figure x- xFigure2.2. Integrated Integratedscanning scanningsystem systememploying employingboth both ray and neutron interrogation techniques. ray and neutron interrogation techniques. Thepower powerofofthis this technique technique isis that that neutrons neutrons are The are aa penetratingradiation radiationthat thatcan can pass pass through through material material to penetrating to induce nuclei nuclei toto emit emit y-ray γ-ray radiation radiation that that is induce is characteristicofofthat that element, element. y-ray γ-ray radiation radiation is is also characteristic also penetrating. InInthis thisway, way,information information on on the the elemental elemental penetrating. content of the container can be found. The generator content of the container can be found. The generator can be used in a number of different ways to search for can be used in a number of different ways to search for chemical agents. By pulsing the neutron generator, chemical agents. By pulsing the neutron generator, three different nuclear signals, neutron scattering, three different nuclear signals, neutron scattering, neutron capture and neutron activation can be neutron capture and neutron activation can be observed and measured. This mode gives an overall observed and measured. This mode gives an overall view of the sealed container. If not satisfied with the view of the sealed container. If not particle satisfiedmode with can the results of this mode, the associated results of this mode, the associated particle mode can then do a second level imaging scan using fast then do a This secondtechnique level imaging neutrons. will bescan overusing laid fast on neutrons. This technique will be over laid information gained using x-ray techniques in order on to information usingofx-ray techniques in agents. order to increase thegained confidence detecting chemical increase the confidence of detecting chemical agents. Interrogation InterrogationofofLiquids LiquidsororPowders Powdersinin Small SmallSealed SealedContainers Containers A A key key element elementshown shownininthe theFigure Figure2 2schematic schematicis is the ability to scan small or large bottles by neutron the ability to scan small or large bottles by neutron interrogation. If a threat is suspected in the container interrogation. If a threat is suspected in the container and appears to be a small object, it can be removed and appears to be a small object, it can be removed and examined in a similar manner with a dedicated and examined in a similar manner with a dedicated bottle scanning system. Because of the smaller size of bottle scanning system. Because of the smaller size of the container, it is very difficult to mask or hide the container, it is in verythisdifficult mask or The hide hazardous materials reducedto volume. hazardous materials in this reduced volume. The neutrons and gamma rays easily penetrate the neutrons and gamma rays easily penetrate container walls, including metallic containers, so thatthe container walls, including metallicMost containers, that the wall thickness is irrelevant. liquids sothat the wall thickness is irrelevant. Most liquids that people carry such as perfume, drinks, toiletries, and peoplewill carry as perfume, drinks, and other givesuch a strong deuterium signaltoiletries, due to the other will give a strong deuterium signal due to capture of neutrons on the hydrogen in the water.the capture ofmany neutrons on agents the hydrogen in elements the water. However, chemical contain the However, F, P, As, S,many and Cl.chemical agents contain the elements Proposed Scanner Proposed Scanner Figure 1 shows the proposed system for the scanner Figure 1 shows the proposed systemshielded for the scanner consisting of 2 Germanium detectors from a consisting of 2 Germanium detectors shieldedarefrom neutron generator. Germanium detectors useda neutron detectors aretoused becausegenerator. the decisionGermanium time is directly related the because decisionBut time is directly the detectorthe resolution. more than this,related spectraltolines becomeresolution. available But for more identification are lines not detector than this, that spectral become available for identification that are not F, P, As, S, and Cl. Because the elemental tags include an uncommon Because tags ratio, includethese an uncommon material and the an elemental odd Hydrogen materials material anda an odd Hydrogen ratio, materials should have false-positive rate that willthese be small. If the positive level rate is set a 3 If should have adetection false-positive that to willrequire be small. the positive detection level is set to require a 3 836 spectrometry is often the answer. Unfortunately, spectrometry Unfortunately, most most mass spectrometers are large and delicate lab-based lab-based instruments. standard deviation deviation signal signal above above background background for for aa standard positiveresult resultthen then the the false-positive false-positive rate rate will will be be at at the positive 0.4% level. level. AA recheck recheck would would consist consist of of simply simply 0.4% passing the the container container back back through through the the system. system. This passing would reduce reduce the the false-positive false-positive ratio ratio down down to to 22 cases cases would 100,000 ordinary ordinary samples, samples, aa very very acceptable acceptable rate. rate. inin 100,000 Other positive positive signals signals might might include include odd odd liquids liquids that that Other would require require further further investigation. investigation. For For example, example, aa would containerfull full of of phosphorus phosphorus would would be be of of interest interest even even container wouldnot notbe beused usedas asaachemical chemical agent. agent. ififititwould TO TI m :t| We have developed a miniature mass spectrometer, spectrometer, shown shown in Figure 4, that is portable and rugged, rugged, yet yet capable of all the sophisticated experiments experiments of of a conventional, larger, laboratory-based mass laboratory-based mass spectrometer. Previous research in this lab on spectrometer. Previous research in this lab on the the fundamentals of of ion ion traps[7,8,9] traps[7,8,9] have fundamentals have allowed allowed for for the the simplification and and construction construction of simplification of aa miniaturized miniaturized CIT, CIT, the heart of this instrument [10]. the heart of this instrument[10]. ;» lull tiriie (s&6) Figure 4. 4. Miniature Miniature cylindrical cylindrical mass Figure mass spectrometer. spectrometer. FIGURE3.3. Confidence Confidence level level verse verse search search time time to to detect detect aa FIGURE SarinSimulant, Simulant,based basedon ondata. data. Sarin This second-generation miniature mass This second-generation miniature mass spectrometer consists of a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) spectrometer consists of a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) mass analzyer analzyer (r (r0 = = 2.5 2.5 mm), mass mm), an an off-axis off-axis conversion conversion o dynode and electron multiplier for dynode and electron multiplier for ion ion detection, detection, aa custom-vacuum manifold, manifold, miniature custom-vacuum miniature vacuum vacuum pumps pumps (Alcatel turbo pump, KNF Neuberger (Alcatel turbo pump, KNF Neuberger diaphragm diaphragm backing pump), pump), data data acquisition backing acquisition and and control control electronics, embedded PC computer, battery electronics, embedded PC computer, battery pack pack and and flat panel panel video video display. display. The flat The total total instrument instrument package package is 28x70x18cm and weighs 20kg. Power consumption is 28x70x18cm and weighs 20kg. Power consumption is 150 W. Performance of this instrument has been is 150 W. Performance of this instrument has been characterized, with special emphasis on MS/MS characterized, with special emphasis on MS/MS experiments. The upper mass limit of the instrument experiments. The upper mass limit of the instrument (RF drive frequency 2 MHz, 1000 V . ) is mass/charge (RF drive frequency 2 MHz, 1000 V00-pp ) is mass/charge ratio (m/z) ~ 260. Ions are generated by electron ratio (m/z) ~ 260. Ions are generated by electron ionization (Rh filament, 50 juA emission current) ionization (Rh filament, 50 µA emission current) within the CIT. These ions are trapped, mass selected within the CIT. These ions are trapped, mass selected and manipulated using the normal ion trap operations and manipulated using the normal ion trap operations available in instruments capable of resonance ejection available in instruments capable of resonance ejection (q = 0.7, v ject = 700 kHz) and excitation. These (qzz = 0.7, νeeject = 700 kHz) and excitation. These capabilities allow tandem and higher stage mass capabilities allow tandem and higher stage mass spectrometry experiments. spectrometry experiments. MASS SPECTROMETER SPECTROMETER MASS Whileneutron neutron interrogation interrogation of of containers containers can can be be an an While effective approach to detecting chemical agents in effective approach to detecting chemical agents in aa sealed containers containers before before their their introduction introduction into into the the sealed environment, it is extremely important to detect an environment, it is extremely important to detect an agent is in the air. The IDHM project has focused on agent is in the air. The IDHM project has focused on the development of a prototype portable mass the development of a prototype portable mass spectrometer capable of detecting trace organic species spectrometer capable of detecting trace organic species in complex mixtures, such as untreated air. This in complex mixtures, such as untreated air. This fieldable instrument, which is capable of operating on fieldable instrument, which is capable of operating on battery power, has been carried into the field, and after battery power, has been carried into the field, and after transportation can be ready for analysis in less than 10 transportation can be ready for analysis in less than 10 minutes. A typical demonstration shows that this minutes. A typical demonstration shows that this extremely sensitive instrument can reliably detect the extremely sensitive instrument can reliably detect the CW simulant methyl salicylate in the presence of the CW simulant methyl salicylate in the presence of the many other organic compounds present in ordinary many other organic compounds present in ordinary urban air (exhaust, hydrocarbons, perfumes, etc). This urban air (exhaust, hydrocarbons, perfumes, etc). This is the result of the superior selectivity and specificity is the result of the superior selectivity and specificity of the instrument. of the instrument. The high sensitivity and wide applicability of mass The high sensitivity and wide applicability of mass spectrometry is desired in many situations in which spectrometry is desired in many situations in which direct analysis of samples is the ultimate goal. Many direct analysis of samples is thetheultimate goal. Many of these situations require identification and ofquantification these situations require the identification and of chemical species in real time from quantification of chemical species in real time from complex mixtures, a daunting challenge in which mass complex mixtures, a daunting challenge in which mass Optimization of these devices has shown that CITs Optimization of these devices has shown that CITs are capable of producing comparable data to full size are capable of producing comparable data to full size laboratory instruments while requiring less voltage and laboratory instruments while requiring voltage and power. Miniaturization of the ion trapless itself allowed power. Miniaturization of the ion trap itself allowed for a reduction in the size of the electronics as well as for reduction in the size of the electronics as well as the avacuum components required for its operation. The the vacuum components required for its operation. The aim of our research is to develop instrumentation and aim of our research is to develop instrumentation and 837 methods based on mass spectrometry to monitor trace methods on massinspectrometry to monitor trace levels of based compounds air at sub-toxic levels, levels of compounds in air at sub-toxic levels, including chemical warfare agents (parts per billion warfare agents per billion andincluding parts chemical per trillion), very (parts rapidly, very and parts per trillion), very rapidly, very reliably—without false alarms—and in the field. reliably—without false alarms—and in the field. These instruments are directly applicable to These instruments are directly applicable to environmental and medical analysis, as well as environmental and medical analysis, as well as homeland security. We have tested this instrument in homeland security. We have tested this instrument in the lab and in battery-powered mode, in the field; the the lab and in battery-powered mode, in the field; the detection limit for the CW simulant methyl salicylate detection limit for the CW simulant methyl salicylate is 1is picogram. 1 picogram. The longer term thrust of this effort is to develop The longer terma thrust of this effort system is to develop protocols to allow prototype readout that is protocols to allow a prototype readout system that is compatible with the ultimate use of bio-sensitive compatible in with the ultimate usedetector. of bio-sensitive micro-chips a hand-held remote Prototype micro-chips in a hand-held remote detector. Prototype tests have indicated the efficacy of this approach to a tests have indicated the efficacy of this approach to a 2- and 3-element micro-chip. We believe the 2- and 3-element micro-chip. We believe the successful specification and demonstration of such a successful specification and demonstration of such a multiple array micro-chip system will find wide multiple array micro-chip system will find wide applicability for the detection of proteins and applicability for the detection of proteins and bacterium bacterium in in the the environment. environment. BIO-DETECTION BIO-DETECTION The Thedetection detection ofof biological biological threats threats are are very very difficult. One approach that is being taken is difficult. One approach that is being taken isdevoted devoted to to thethe development developmentofofmicro-systems micro-systemsfor forthe thedetection detection of ofbiological warfare agents and hazardous biological warfare agents and hazardousmaterials materials using usingantibody antibodyarrays arraysononmicro-chips, micro-chips, inin aqueous aqueous environments. environments.The Thedevelopment developmentofofthis thisability abilityininan an aqueous aqueoussystem systemhowever howeverdoes doesnot notlimit limitit’s it's use use for for airborne airbornethreats. threats. Passing Passingairairthrough througha asimple simple fine fine mist mistspray, spray,collecting collectingit itand andthen thenpassing passingititover over the the bio-chip will allow bio-chip will allowforforsuch sucha asensitivity. sensitivity. Duringthethepast pasttwo twoyears[13,14], years[13,14], work work has has be be During systematically and successfully completed focused on systematically and successfully completed focused on three components a bio-micro-chipsystem. system.The Thefirst first three components ofofa bio-micro-chip designand andfabrication fabricationofofa abasic basicassay assayprotocol protocol is is thethe design systemcapable capableofofdetecting detecting both both antibodies antibodies and and system bacterium. This This system system consists consists ofof patterning patterning bacterium. appropriateantibodies antibodiesonto ontofunctionalized functionalized substrates substrates appropriate usingPDMS PDMSstamp stamppads. pads. ToTopattern patternprotein proteinon onthe the using surface a technique developedbybyWhitesdies Whitesdieselelal. al.was was surface a technique developed used[15]. Figure Figure 5 5 shows shows a a scanning scanning probe probe used[15]. microscope image of a cross-reaction study between microscope image of a cross-reaction study between E.E. Coli antibodies antibodies after after incubation incubation inin a a solution solution Coli containing E. Coli bacteria. The high selectivity containing E. Coli bacteria. The high selectivity ofofE.E. Coli selectivelypatterned patternedregions regionsofofantibody antibodyisis Coli to to thetheselectively clearly visible in this image. clearly visible in this image. Figure 5. 5. An An scanning scanning probe microscope Figure microscope image image of of aa microarray fabricated fabricated to detect microarray detect E. E. coli coli 0157:H7. 0157:H7. The The stamped anti-body anti-body region is approximately stamped approximately 5x5 5x5 micron. micron.The The bacteria isis clear clear detected. detected. bacteria CONCLUSION CONCLUSION We have have presented presented aa few We few of of the the efforts efforts now nowbeing being pursued under the Integrated Detection of Hazardous pursued under the Integrated Detection of Hazardous Materials Program Program within within the Materials the Center Center for for Sensing Sensing Science and Technology at Purdue University. While Science and Technology at Purdue University. While each of the individual systems is fully capable of threat each of the individual systems is fully capable of threat detection for specific threats, together they can detection for specific threats, together they can function to greatly reduce the threat from chemical and function to greatly reduce the threat from chemical and biological agents. The neutron system has the biological The neutron the potential toagents. detect chemical threat atsystem a portalhas before potential to detect chemical threat at a portal before deployment while the mass spectrometer and microdeployment while theinmass spectrometer and microchip arrays can serve the role as point detectors and chip arrays can serve in the role as point detectors and have the potential to detect chemical and biological have the potential to detect chemical and biological threats both airborne and in aqueous environments. threats both airborne and in aqueous environments. The second effort has been the incorporation of a The second effort has been the incorporation of a preliminary fractionation system to clean up samples preliminary fractionation system to clean up samples before exposure to the micro-chips. At present, this before exposure to the micro-chips. At present, this system consists of micro-fluidic flow channels. system consists of micro-fluidic flow channels. Finally we are developing the expansion of a single Finally detector we are developing channel to a 2x2 or the 3x3 expansion assay array.of a single channel detector to a 2x2 or 3x3 assay array. 838 9. Wells, J. M.; Badman, E. R.; Cooks, R. G., A Quadrupole Ion Trap of Cylindrical Geometry Operated in the Mass Selective Instability Mode, Anal. Chem., 1998, 70, 438444. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank S. Howel, R. Reifenberger, G. Cooks, R. Noll, J. Cooper, R. Koltick and Y. Kirn for help developing this paper. I would like to thank the Navsea, Crane Division for their support of this work. 10. Patterson, G. E.; Guymon, A. J.; Riter, L. S.; Everly, M.; Griep-Raming, J.; Laughlin, B. C.; Ouyang, Z.; Cooks, R. G., A Miniature Cylindrical Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer, Anal. Chem., 2002, preceeding paper, 11. Riter, L. S.; Laughlin, B. C.; Nikolaev, E.; Cooks, R. 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