Detection of hidden persons is of high significance: Intruders near sensible infrastructure or persons hidden in trucks should be quickly detected in order to be able to react with countermeasures.
In the present project, two techniques will be combined: detection of infrared radiation using a thermal camera and detection of volatile organic compounds (by use of ion mobility spectrometry) which are released through breath and skin of hidden persons. These two techniques can be miniaturized and be integrated into a portable instrument. These two techniques complement each other in an ideal manner. The search by gas analytical methods corresponds to the use of searching dogs.
The basic work in trace gas analysis is performed using proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The results of the scientific work will be the basis for the recognition of volatile compounds by an ion mobility sensor. Small IMS sensors are already available and will be tested in regard to sensitivity and visualization of concentration profiles.

Project leader
Direktor Univ.-Prof. Doz. (ETH) Dr. Anton Amann, Institut für Atemgasanalytik der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften

Contact
Mag. Mag. Mag. Marco Freek
Institut für Atemgasanalytik der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
A-6850 Dornbirn, Rathausplatz 4
Tel. 0664-80515-60000
Fax 0512-504-24683
marco.freek@oeaw.ac.at
www.oeaw.ac.at/aa