Applied CBRNE and Directed Energy Sciences

Patented technology combined with years of expertise and experience make SAIC a leader in the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) threat-detection arena across the globe.

CBRNE Technology Overview

SAIC works diligently to provide solutions to help counter CBRNE and directed energy threats. Our technology experts invent, develop, and deploy cutting-edge technologies for nuclear radiation detection, X-ray imaging, chemical and biological threat detection, CBRNE monitoring for weapons defeat, and CBRNE effects modeling. We exploit the most advanced science and technology to provide new, enduring solutions and products to our military, intelligence, and homeland security customers.

Key CBRNE Capabilities

  • CBRNE sensors and systems
  • Lasers and high-power microwave systems
  • Counter-proliferation systems engineering and integration
  • Nuclear radiation detectors
  • Adaptive optics technologies
  • Next-generation radiation detectors and systems
  • Biosensor development

WMD Aerial Collection System

We integrate collection and analysis subsystems on unmanned aerial platforms for applications including post-attack analysis of plumes from suspected weapon of mass destruction (WMD) sites to determine the contents of the plume and whether it poses a downrange hazard. We are also working on miniaturized airborne systems for domestic applications that include investigation of chemical spill sites, fires, and other hazards. Systems such as these provide a rapid means for detecting, assessing, and responding to hazardous events.

Neutron Sandwich (NeuSand)

NeuSand is a patented, SAIC-developed neutron detector that is primarily used for national security in radiation portal monitors at border crossings. The company is creating ways for NeuSand to be retrofitted into other integrated radiation detection systems, scaling and modifying it accordingly. The initial proof-of-concept was completed in 2002 in response to the growing scarcity of helium-3 as a primary material for neutron detectors, and SAIC has since fully developed the NeuSand solution.

Stand-Off Radiation Detection System (SORDS)

SORDS was designed by SAIC scientists to locate radioactive materials out to 100 meters by "imaging" sources through a coded aperture on a moving system. SORDS displays the region swept, the location of the source, and its isotopic identification on a geographic information system along with video and other geolocation data. An effective tool for deployed forces to locate weapons materials, SORDS overcomes many of the limitations of current vehicle-based systems and enables large areas to be inspected for illicit nuclear materials.

Biosensors

SAIC has developed a number of sophisticated systems that can detect and identify serious pathogens and biothreat agents in clinical or environmental samples for a range of applications, including homeland protection, defense, intelligence, and health monitoring. Our skilled scientists and engineers employ the latest bioinformatics, culture, air sampling, sample preparation, microfluidics, immunoassay, DNA amplification, DNA microarray, and next-generation sequencing technology in our biosensor development laboratories to develop and test these systems.