CBRNe Science and Engineering Services
OptiMetrics’ personnel provide scientific services in a variety of CBRNe defense disciplines. Our scientists’ work includes studies and analyses, modeling and simulation, laboratory and field-testing of CBRNe defense systems.
Most work is performed either at our Abington, MD office or at the US Army Edgewood Research and Development Center in Edgewood, MD. Current research areas are highlighted below.
BioInformatics
OptiMetrics is developing methods and software that automates the collection and analysis of DNA data. Those methods allow the quick identification of biological agents through analysis of micro-samples of the materials. These techniques support timely response to biological threats, whether they are spread by enemies or are naturally occurring. OptiMetrics’ personnel, methods and software played a key role in the identification and analysis of the H1N1 virus.
Chemical and Biological Agent Sensing
OptiMetrics expertise in electro-optical sensors, atmospheric effect and aerosol physics provides the basis for scientific analysis of chemical and biological sensors. We don’t manufacture sensors, but we have the expertise to understand how, where and when they work. This understanding is exercised in tradeoff studies, performance assessments and test planning. It is also incorporated in models and simulations which have been developed for specific detection systems such as the Joint Point Biological Detection System.
Agent Contamination Phenomena
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents are disseminated by a variety of methods, depending on the military or terrorist nature of the threat. For the military threat, we have experience with the full spectrum of US threat modeling tools, including HPAC, VLSTRACK and NUSSE4. Results from these models are incorporated into our CBRNe warning and reporting product, NBCWaRN.
We are also experts in modeling the CBRNe hazards posed by terrorist events. We have developed and validated the InDeVap model that represents the hazards from an indoor release of chemical agents by terrorist devices. Another terror technique is to use explosives or other methods to release toxic industrial chemicals, like chlorine, into the environment. Our ADASHI incident management product includes the EPA’s ALOHA model which addresses releases of toxic industrial chemicals.
Agent Decontamination Phenomena
Clean-up is a critical step in responding to a CBRNe attack. There is currently limited scientific understanding of the effectiveness of various clean-up/decontamination processes. OptiMetrics is supported the US Army in analysis of existing laboratory data on the effectiveness decontamination chemical and method. We are also developing a computer model which uses experimental data with first principle physics and chemistry to calculate and predict the residual hazards following various decontamination processes. This new model, CREATIVE, uses a semi-empirical approach to predict the efficacy of new and emerging decontaminants based on known decontaminant classes.
Applications:
- Develop quick methods to develop vaccines to respond to new biological agents or natural virus threats
- Develop more effective agent sensing networks
- Evaluate the impact of CBRNe incidents
- Speed clean-up and minimize side effects of decontamination efforts
