Press Release

Press Release

August 2, 2023

Figure 1. 3-lane Archer system in Kingsville, TX. Each lane is comprised of 2 PERM gamma detectors, 4 LANCER neutron detectors and 2 OWL contextual modules.

In the last 3+ years, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has provided the US Border Patrol (USBP) with new, advanced Radiological and Nuclear (R/N) detection technologies that have demonstrated a significant enhancement in performance over prior systems while drastically reducing the operational burden on the agents through very low nuisance referral rates. PSI’s systems make use of our PCS-Enabled Radiation and Localization (PERLTM) detector ecosystem[1], comprising of the PCS-Enabled Radiation Monitor (PERM) gamma detector, the Local Area Neutron CountER (LANCER) neutron panel, and the Optical Warning and Localization (OWL) contextual sensor. Using these component technologies, several variants have been constructed and operationally deployed. A gantry-based system (Figure 1) is configured to detect and identify sources at speed while a more standard, single vertical stanchion configuration uses existing infrastructure to provide coverage across 8 lanes of traffic (Figure 2). The performance of these systems is driven by PSI’s key technology, which is the Poisson Clutter Split (PCS) algorithm. PCS is a novel approach for radiological background estimation and clutter suppression that improves the detection and discrimination capability of medium resolution detectors. The performance is achievable at the short integration times (< 1 sec) necessary for operation in a high throughput and dynamic environment.

Figure 2. Single lane Krieger Primary COV comprised of 2 PERMs, 1 LANCER and 1 OWL unit. The Primary POV configuration consists of a single PERM, 1 LANCER and 1 OWL contextual module.

Extensive operational assessments have shown that the PERL-based systems provide highly accurate isotope identification while scanning fast moving traffic and cargo. This fast response is also supported by extremely low nuisance referral rates, which are several orders of magnitude lower than those achieved with other state-of-the-art R/N scanning systems. The excellent operational performance, as of March 29, 2023, has enabled USBP to rely on the PERL-based systems to automatically filter benign radiological materials and only surface threat-relevant responses. This reliance is deeply rooted in the demonstrated ability of the PSI R/N detection technologies to extract weak signals and accurately identify R/N materials transported through USBP Checkpoints. Furthermore, this capability will ensure that Border Patrol Agents will continue to see improved and streamlined operations with their attention directed only at relevant R/N interdictions.


PSI would like to acknowledge and thank DHS/CWMD for their sponsorship, management and funding for the testing, installation and demonstration of these checkpoint technologies in support of the counter-WMD mission for securing our nation. PSI would also like to thank USBP for their continued engagement and operational feedback. We look forward to providing the agency with more advanced detection capabilities in the future.

For additional information on the PERLTM R/N detection technologies and the work supporting USBP and CWMD, please contact Dr. Bogdan Cosofret (cosofret@psicorp.com, 978-738-8246).

Approved for public release by DHS/CWMD and US Border Patrol


[1] https://www.psicorp.com/products/cbrn-sensors-systems/perl-detector-ecosystem/

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a Navy Phase I SBIR to develop a built-for-purpose small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) for Probing Elevated, Confined, and Tight-space Areas Complimented with Long Endurance (SPECTACLE).

This technology is intended to initially serve Naval ship-building and sustainment activities, with expanded applicability to commercial shipyard activities. The Navy is in need of an aerial inspection platform capable of more than 15 minutes of flight time; this is currently not met with existing aerial platforms falling within the specific size constraint. PSI’s technology for high energy-density batteries for unmanned platforms, and expertise in developing custom drones for mission-specific applications will result in a developed aerial platform meeting or exceeding the critical requirement for long endurance. PSI will demonstrate feasibility of developing such a low-cost DoD-ready sUAS with emphasis on increased flight endurance, using largely commercial-of-the-shelf components where possible.

For more information contact:

Dr. Joel Hensley
Vice President, Photonics Enterprise
hensley@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the Office of Naval Research. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the Office of Naval Research to develop a high-efficiency metasurface-based free-space orbital angular momentum transformer that can be fiber pigtailed at both the inputs and output to operate across the shortwave infrared band from 1 to 2 microns. The transformer will be designed to simultaneously minimize losses and maximize environmental stability.

For more information contact:

Dr. Joel Hensley
Vice President, Photonics Enterprise
hensley@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported under a contract with the Office of Naval Research. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from Strategic Systems Programs to develop a platform using phase change materials (PCMs) for low-loss, non-volatile phase delay adjustment in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in the 700-900 nm wavelength range.

PSI will develop a Photonic-Integrated Scalable-Trimming for Optical Networks (PISTON), a platform for the adjustment of optical phase-delays in optical-phased arrays (OPAs) and other PICs. The PISTON platform uses patterned GeSe3 films on SiN optical waveguides for low-loss, non-volatile phase delay adjustment that is compatible with the 700–900 nm wavelength range. PSI will address phase trimming elements using a scanning confocal microscope in a one-time adjustment during or before PIC packaging. Our approach can be integrated into a foundry CMOS-photonics process, providing a path toward cost-effective phase trimming of PICs for a wide variety of applications.

For more information contact:

Dr. Joel Hensley
Vice President, Photonics Enterprise
hensley@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with Strategic Systems Programs.  This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with our university partner, is developing a low-cost blast surrogate testing device that can be used to evaluate next generation personal protective equipment (PPE). New material advancements are being used to mitigate blast wave effects on soldiers through improved PPE design, but accurate test surrogates are needed to inform the PPE design decisions. To address this need, PSI is developing a low-cost surrogate model that can evaluate damage to the brain, lungs and neurosensory system from a blast wave event. Reduced cost will be achieved through modern 3D printing techniques, and by developing/sourcing low cost sensors. The PSI approach will provide the ability to automatically acquire and share data wirelessly.  Our academic collaborators will enable blast surrogate testing and will support PSI in establishing algorithms to identify potential organ damage. The resulting product will be a blast test surrogate device with an ability to withstand a blast wave with peak pressures of at least 130 psi.

For more information contact:

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

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported by the DHA STTR Program/U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC)/WRAIR. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a Phase I SBIR grant to develop functional testing of retinal circuitry with cellular-level resolution, a capability that can provide an unbiased evaluation of vision and enable early detection of retinal diseases and monitoring the response to treatment.

PSI proposes to enable objective characterization of the photoreceptor response to light and thus quantification of differences between normal and diseased eyes. This will be accomplished by adding controlled light stimulus capabilities to an existing high-resolution retinal imaging platform and validating it on a group of volunteers. We aim todemonstrate the ability to induce and measure vessel diameter changes and to induce and measure reflectivity, transmission, and length changes in cone photoreceptors with the purpose of developing robust biomarkers for diabetic retinopathy (DR).

PSI has been developing and offering multiple types of commercial high-resolution retinal imagers for more than fifteen years and is well known as one of the leaders in the field. Based on this experience, PSI will develop and implement light flicker stimulus capabilities in our multichannel adaptive optics retinal imaging (MAORI-X5) platform to objectively test retinal function.MAORI-X5 combines AO-assisted optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) in one instrument and provides in vivo cellular-level resolution imaging of retinal microstuctures. There is no commercially available SLO or OCT system with light flicker capabilities. We will fill this gap and enhance the capabilities of our retinal imaging platform by implementing two types of light flicker: local, cone-level illumination for testing the health and function of photoreceptors, and large area illumination for testing neurovascular coupling. Both types of measurements will reveal the effects of light stimulation with cellular-level resolution. Adding stimulus capabilities to MAORI-X5 enables investigations ofneurovascular coupling and functional assessment of retinal photoreceptors on a commercially available platform. We will validate the ability of the technique to measure cellular level effects as a proof-of-principle demonstration on a limited cohort of ten volunteers.

The successful completion of this development will provide clinicians with a high-performance retinal imaging platform for functional imaging. Early adaptors of this technology within the research community will grow our understanding of vision and its disruption by DR, and will enable the investigation of the effects of new drugs and therapies. PSI, the only company worldwide offering commercially AO-SLO-OCT instruments, will develop the next generation of retinal imaging research instruments as a reliable tool to quantify clinically the effects of DR on vision.

For more information contact:

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

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported under the National Institutes of Health / National Eye Institute. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from NASA to develop enhancements to smallsat tether deorbit systems using its passive coatings and active cold cathode electron gun based on its negative electron affinity-enhanced triple-point electron emitter to enable propellant-less deorbit from altitudes to 1100 km by increasing the generated current through electrodynamic tethers.

PSI is developing passive and active enhancements to heritage electrodynamic tether smallsat deorbit systems. Passive coatings based on flexible materials with negative electron affinity-enhanced triple-point electron emitters will enable propellant-less deorbit from altitudes up to at least 1100 km by increasing the passively generated current through electrodynamic tethers. The active component of PSI’s system, embodied by a robust, self-powered and self-regulated cold cathode electron gun, will further increase deorbit rate and altitude while also giving a host satellite control over deorbit parameters. This active deorbit system is entirely electric and requires no propellant, dramatically reducing size, weight and power requirements versus traditional active deorbit systems and services. Both the active and passive deorbit components leverage past work PSI has performed for the US Space Force and for NASA.  PSI is also partnering with Tethers Unlimited Inc. (TUI) to adapt the passive and active electrodynamic tether enhancement to their existing, heritage terminator tape (TT) deorbit systems. In Phase I, PSI demonstrated proof of concept for the new tether enhancement technologies. In Phase II, PSI will apply the new technologies to TUI’s TT system, producing prototypes available to NASA for future deployment on demonstration missions following the Phase II program.

For more information contact:

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

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported under a contract with NASA Stennis Space Center. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy to develop a wide field of view MWIR/SWIR gradient index (GRIN) compound lens with exceptional performance and reduced size and lens integration cost.

GRIN lenses are compact and high performance, but often known to possess increased integration risk. Novel optical design and material development provides a set of aberration correction capabilities in the GRIN lenses. PSI will identify particular benefits of integration of GRIN lenses to replace elements of homogeneous lenses, and present a wide field of view, large aperture lens with superior performance and reduced integration costs.

For more information contact:

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

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the Naval Sea Systems Command. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

The US Army and other DOD forces occasionally need to breach reinforced concrete structures. PSI has been awarded a contract by the US Army to develop a novel Radar for Accelerated Breaching of Concrete Structures (RABCS). The system will build on combined decades of R&D in Deployable Structures, Multi-Static Radar Image Processing, and Structural Material Engineering at PSI and our partners.

There are several existing methods to assess the structural properties and predict reinforcement but each of these methods has specific deficiencies (e.g. to loud, too large, too inconsistent). Ground penetrating radar is a promising technology for non-destructive concrete substructure characterization but currently requires significant training to operate the devices and properly interpret the results. To address the US Army need for an easy and rapid evaluation tool, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop the Radar for Accelerated Breaching of Concrete Structures (RABCS). This device will use a deployable multi-static radar antenna and machine learning techniques to make a single 3D scan of a concrete volume then algorithmically locate, classify, and display actionable information.

PSI will leverage over a decade of R&D in wideband deployable antennas, combined with our university partner’s work in medical multi-static radar imaging, to design a system that meets US Army requirements. During the Phase II program, PSI will finish the full radar design and fabricate a prototype system for field-testing against large, representative concrete structures.

For more information contact:

Dr. Peter Warren
Executive Vice President, Materials Division
pwarren@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the Army Research Office. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop an o‑ring replacement seal based on carbon and ceramic constituents that utilizes the strength of carbon fiber but protects the carbon from oxidation at temperatures up to 3000°F.

High speed vehicle engines including rotating detonation engines and scramjets comprise multiple components. These components must be joined together with seals (o-rings, gaskets) to ensure that gas does not leak from one region of the flowpath to another, or into the vehicle fuselage. However, elastomeric seals are not compatible with the high temperatures at which these engines operate. Current ceramic rope seals are prone to leakage because they do not have enough preload and thermal expansion tolerance. Carbon sealing materials oxidize at high temperatures in air.

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop an o-ring replacement seal based on carbon and ceramic constituents.

In this Direct-to-Phase-II program, PSI will design, build, and test o-ring replacement seals. We will obtain third-party validation testing. We will provide prototype seals to the Air Force for testing within vehicle engines to show that the seals are compatible with the targeted vehicle applications.

For more information contact:

Dr. Peter Warren
Executive Vice President, Materials Division
pwarren@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the United States Air Force. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.