JMAR Competitively Selected by U.S. Army for Phase II SBIR Grant
Tuesday June 13, 8:45 am ET
Work Focuses on Development of New Laser for Remote Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2006--JMAR Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: JMAR - News), a leading innovator in the development of laser-based technology and x-ray processes for imaging, analysis and fabrication at the nanoscale, announced that the Company has been competitively selected for the award of a Phase II SBIR grant by the U.S. Army to conduct research leading to the development of a compact, double pulse laser system capable of real-time spectrochemical hazard analysis in the field. This new detection approach is based on JMAR's proven BriteLight(TM) technology and offers an improved method of detecting hazardous materials from safe, remote locations.
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Taking advantage of BriteLight's unique combination of excellent spatial beam quality and high pulse energy, this new laser will be specially designed for adjustable, double-pulse mode operation to support laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS techniques are well suited to field analysis because only the laser beam must reach the sample, allowing remote monitoring of hazardous materials or materials situated in difficult to reach locations.
The DOD Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program was developed to stimulate technological innovation to meet military as well as commercial needs. During Phase I, JMAR accomplished feasibility studies and proof of concept. This selection for Phase II will result in two prototypes--a small man-portable LIBS unit and a larger vehicle-portable version. The Phase II contract amount is expected to be $750,000.
"We are very pleased with this opportunity to continue our support of the U.S. Army by adapting our modular BriteLight laser to handle remote, non-contact detection of hazardous materials," commented C. Neil Beer, President and CEO of JMAR. "This protective use of our core technology by the military will also lead to several exciting commercial applications."
About BriteLight(TM)
JMAR's BriteLight(TM) Modular Solid State Laser System provides a unique combination of high brightness, short pulse duration, and exceptional beam quality in a modular, compact design. The product also offers research scientists and manufacturing engineers a versatile laser source that can be used for a multitude of applications, including spectrochemical analysis, nanotech scale fabrication, microscopy and soft x-ray source generation.
About JMAR
JMAR Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator in the development of laser-based technology for imaging, analysis and fabrication at the nano-scale. The Company is leveraging more than a decade of laser and photonics research to develop a diverse portfolio of products with commercial applications in rapidly growing industries, while continuing to carry out research and development for the U.S. Government. JMAR is targeting the nanotechnology, bioscience and semiconductor industries with its BriteLight(TM) Laser; X-ray Light Source; Compact X-ray Microscope -- for 3D visualization of single cells and polymers; and the X-ray Nano Probe -- enabling interaction, analysis and materials modification at the nano-scale. JMAR maintains a strategic alliance with FemtoTrace, a unique company applying NASA technology to trace analytical solutions, for the production of the READ chemical sensor for the homeland security, environmental and utility infrastructure industries. JMAR also manufactures and markets its series of BioSentry(TM) microorganism early-warning systems for cruise ships, municipalities, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. |
