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This effort uses advanced fluid flow visualization and flow diagnostic techniques to better-understand the role of fluid dynamics in our Safety & Security focus
Ambient and atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry platforms provide sample collection, transport, and ionization for vapor, aerosol, and liquid samples
The development of new platforms for characterization of complex microbial samples are hampered by lack of reproducibility and comparability across different
The primary objective of this project is to assure the technical performance and radiation safety of the nation's x-ray and gamma-ray security screening efforts
NIST is measuring the trace chemical signatures and quantities of trace residues and background levels that contaminate surfaces associated with the concealment
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is widely used for national security and law enforcement, placed at key transportation checkpoints such as airports and border
Confidence in total or viable microbial cell counting methods is lacking, due in part to a dearth of relevant reference materials. NIST has developed a living
The use of standards is considered a critical component in the assurance of analytical quality, allowing reliable measures of detection limits, accuracy, and
As part of a multi-year interagency agreement between the Office of Standards of the Department of Homeland Security and NIST, NIST is developing measurement
Nanocalorimetry provides a capability to measure the thermal properties of very small samples and at very fast rates. Materials and interfaces of interest
We use a variety of measurement tools to gain a full understanding of current drug and explosive threats. Particle size, chemical composition, morphology
Developments in solid–liquid extraction approaches for direct liquid sampling of surfaces combined with mass spectrometry for explosives and narcotics detection
NIST works to identify, research, and document improvements to current and next-generation detection systems. Emphasis is placed on performance characterization
The Dosimetry Group provides support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their evaluation of cargo and vehicle inspection systems. Our support for
Obtaining high confidence field detection, identification, and quantification of microbial samples remains a challenge. Since 9/11 and the subsequent anthrax
First responders continually receive calls regarding suspicious materials that are potentially biological threat materials. Obtaining high confidence data from
Surface desorption ambient mass spectrometry enables direct solid surface interrogation for sampling and ionization of trace analytes. This project encompasses
Developing and maintaining a nationwide capability in field biological assessment requires routine training with biological materials. Attenuated biothreat
Thermal desorption ambient mass spectrometry decouples analyte desorption and ionization. Here, analytes are thermally desorbed directly from a primary surface
We develop and deploy portable vapor sampling instruments to collect detailed chemical information in the field, in sampling situations where the laboratory is
We develop and evaluate dynamic headspace sampling methods to capture and concentrate vapors from single components (solid or liquid) to determine vapor