Block Engineering Wins $4.38 Million Contract to Develop Handheld Infrared Spectrometer

Block Engineering announced today that it has been awarded a new $4,380,000 government contract to develop a fieldable, handheld infrared spectrometer that utilizes Block's unique laser and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies.

The spectrometer will be used for standoff detection of solid and liquid explosive materials or other substances that could be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Block's technology could also be used for the detection of Chemical Warfare Agents, Non-Traditional Agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals.

"Block's unique laser and MEMS technologies will enable the detection and identification of these substances in the field and provide our warfighters with a powerful tool in order to protect them against the devastating effects of IEDs," said Dr. Petros Kotidis, CEO of Block Engineering. "Block has a long history of delivering rugged, high performance instruments to government agencies and these new devices will be the next generation of substance identifying, mobile systems with unprecedented capabilities."