Press Release
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to develop a novel low-cost wearable sensor to detect exposure to high-power microwave (HPM) weapons.
PSI’s sensor will be lightweight, small, and require minimal maintenance to facilitate widespread distribution allowing definitive identification of invisible HPM weapon usage and support treatment decisions by medical personnel. HPM attack is suspected in the symptoms experienced by U.S. personnel at foreign diplomatic embassies in 2016 & 2017, but could not be confirmed due to the absence of sensing equipment.
While radio frequency safety sensors are in regular use by communications and radar technicians, these devices are not appropriate for detection of HPM weapon usage due to low field strength ratings compared to expected HPM fields, high cost, and required maintenance including frequent recharging / battery replacement that complicates widespread usage in the DoD. This program will result in a validated HPM sensor that can be widely distributed ensuring that HPM weapon usage is detected and medical personnel can apply appropriate treatment to anyone affected.
For more information, contact:
William Kessler
Vice President, Applied Optics
kessler@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003