Army needs lidar long-wave infrared detectors

U.S. Army researchers are surveying industry to find advanced-prototype, long-wave infrared (LWIR) light detection and ranging (lidar) technologies for standoff detection of biological and chemical agents that could pose threats to military forces. Officials of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., issued a sources-sought notice (W911SR-17-R-LWIR) for the Long-wave Infrared Lidar project. Researchers seek advanced-prototype, commercial off-the-shelf or government off-the-shelf LWIR lidar technologies capable of detecting chemical vapors and biological aerosols to enable chemical and biological standoff detection. The goal is to provide a standoff detection capability in a mobile or fixed-site application at ranges as far as 1.3 miles.