Smiths Detection and Intelligent Optical Systems have developed prototypes for the Lightweight Autonomous Chemical
Identification System (LACIS) for the US Department of Homeland Security. LACIS is to be a handheld detection
system for Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). LACIS is designed to have a low
limit of detection and rapid response time for use by emergency responders and could allow determination of areas
having dangerous concentration levels and if protective garments will be required. Procedures for protection of
responders from hazardous materials incidents require the use of protective equipment until such time as the hazard can
be assessed. Such accurate analysis can accelerate operations and increase effectiveness.
LACIS is to be an improved point detector employing novel CBRNE detection modalities that includes a militaryproven
ruggedized ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) with an array of electro-resistive sensors to extend the range of
chemical threats detected in a single device. It uses a novel sensor data fusion and threat classification architecture to
interpret the independent sensor responses and provide robust detection at low levels in complex backgrounds with
minimal false alarms.
The performance of LACIS prototypes have been characterized in independent third party laboratory tests at the Battelle
Memorial Institute (BMI, Columbus, OH) and indoor and outdoor field tests at the Nevada National Security Site
(NNSS). LACIS prototypes will be entering operational assessment by key government emergency response groups to
determine its capabilities versus requirements.
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