May 2020 - Physical Sciences Inc.

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a research program from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to develop an advanced machine learning (ML) algorithm to detect threat-based anomalies in gamma-ray spectra in real-time.

The Radiation Anomaly Detector (RAD) will be packaged with PSI’s award-winning Poisson Clutter Split (PCS) algorithm, which represents the state-of-the-art capability for real-time (1Hz) isotope identification, and PSI’s Advanced Learning-Enabled Radioactive Threat Search (ALERTS) algorithm, which is a supervised ML algorithm for isotope detection and identification. RAD will provide a complementary detection channel to PCS and ALERTS by enhancing sensitivity to anomalous or highly shielded potential threat sources. The combined Radioactive Anomaly Detection and Identification Algorithm Suite (RADIAS) will significantly improve the performance of current and future sensor systems used by US Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in the search for radioactive threats, especially Special Nuclear Material (SNM). RADIAS will be customized for integration with NGA and DoD sensor systems and integrated with PSI’s other commercial radiological/nuclear products such as Mobile Urban Radiation Search (MURS) and PERM-Mobile.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Bogdan Cosofret
Vice President, Detection Systems
cosofret@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with Dartmouth College and Cleveland Clinic, has been awarded a research program by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a novel optical dosimetry technology and demonstrate its applications in two areas: real-time measurement of photosensitizer (PS) and singlet oxygen (O2) during photodynamic therapy (PDT), and non-invasive quantification of singlet O2 produced in skin under UV irradiation.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Each year in the U.S. alone over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated. The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is estimated at $8.1 billion. Treatment and prevention of skin cancer is a significant health care challenge.

PSI’s ultrasensitive, robust dosimeter is based on an innovative “computational spectroscopy” technology and a low-cost hardware configuration. PSI will demonstrate the capability of the singlet O2 dosimeter to guide optimization of PDT protocols for improved skin cancer treatment, as well as to support biomedical research focused on understanding skin damage/carcinogenesis by solar UV irradiation, with a goal of accelerating the development of more effective sunscreen products. The carcinogenesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by UVA is not well understood, hindering the development of more effective sunscreen products that protect against UVA and longer wavelengths. Real-time quantification of singlet O2 will benefit both applications and lead to advancements in skin cancer therapy and prevention.

For more information, contact:

Mr. William Kessler
Vice President, Applied Optics
kessler@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a research contract from the US Air Force Research Lab to develop an algorithm that uses electro¬chemical data to identify defects in lithium-ion cells throughout their entire lifetime.

PSI’s algorithm will be capable of detecting defect traces in electrochemical data results that are normally imperceptible. The algorithm will rely on a suite of tests that PSI is developing to characterize defects in electrochemical data. PSI, in partnership with the University of California Irvine (UCI), will perform 3D-tomogrophy imaging on Li-ion cells with micron level resolution and use corresponding electrochemical data to confirm the algorithms effectiveness.

Li-ion cell defects can result from manufacturing issues, such as electrode folding or tearing, as well as from cycling or abuse, which can produce dendrites and gas formation. When these defects pass undetected through cell formation and deployment, negative results can vary from shortened lifetimes to catastrophic failure. PSI’s algorithm will provide an unprecedented ability to monitor cell health immediately after manufacturing and during the full lifetime of the cell. This will have major impacts on how Li-ion batteries are used, tested and help guide missions involving Li-ion cells.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Christopher Lang
Area Manager, Energy Technologies
lang@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a research program from the U.S. Army to develop an advanced long wave infrared reflectance system based on a Quantum Cascade Laser Transmitter, Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer and a compact, low cost, passive optical beam director mounted on a small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

PSI’s beam director will work cooperatively with the laser transmitter and spectral receiver co-mounted to a Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) to enable detection of persistent ground contaminants while on-the-move. The architecture minimizes SWAP burden on the UAS, locates the system’s higher cost components off the UAS, reduces required power draw on the UAS batteries, and does not require data transmission from the UAS to the NBCRV. The optical design of the system eliminates the need for active focusing to compensate for uneven terrain. Performance projections indicate that the detection architecture is capable of achieving a 90% probability of detecting Chemical Warfare Agents dosed on a surface within 15 feet of the UAS entering a contaminated area.

PSI’s technology will enhance chemical reconnaissance capability for the warfighter. The envisioned system will provide on-the-move, non-contact surface detection and identification of Chemical Warfare Agents, Toxic Industrial Chemicals, and other Non-Traditional Agents without a ground vehicle entering the contaminated area.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Julia Dupuis
Vice President, Tactical Systems
jdupuis@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003