This book describes the latest molecular insights needed to understand the chemical and biological (CB) agents and their associated biotechnologies. Its primary focus is to present and discuss molecular technologies such as mass spectrometry, chemical and biological sensors, chromatographic and electrophoretic separation, and comparisons of spectroscopic, immunological and molecular analyses of chemicals used for the detection of chemical and biological agents and to prevent terrorism. This NATO-ASI book also contributes to the critical assessment of existing knowledge on new and important detection technologies. It helps to identify directions for future research and to promote closer working relationships between scientists from different professional fields.

Over the last ten years, there has been growing concern about potential biological attacks on the nation's population and its military facilities. It is now possible to detect such attacks quickly enough to permit treatment of potential victims prior to the onset of symptoms. The capability to "detect to warn", that is in time to take action to minimize human exposure, however, is still lacking. To help achieve such a capability, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) asked the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the development path for "detect to warn" sensors systems. This report presents the results of this assessment including analysis of scenarios for protecting facilities, sensor requirements, and detection technologies and systems. Findings and recommendations are provided for the most probable path to achieve a detect-to-warn capability and potential technological breakthroughs that could accelerate its attainment.

Chemistry and chemical engineering have changed significantly in the last decade. They have broadened their scopeâ€"into biology, nanotechnology, materials science, computation, and advanced methods of process systems engineering and controlâ€"so much that the programs in most chemistry and chemical engineering departments now barely resemble the classical notion of chemistry. Beyond the Molecular Frontier brings together research, discovery, and invention across the entire spectrum of the chemical sciencesâ€"from fundamental, molecular-level chemistry to large-scale chemical processing technology. This reflects the way the field has evolved, the synergy at universities between research and education in chemistry and chemical engineering, and the way chemists and chemical engineers work together in industry. The astonishing developments in science and engineering during the 20th century have made it possible to dream of new goals that might previously have been considered unthinkable. This book identifies the key opportunities and challenges for the chemical sciences, from basic research to societal needs and from terrorism defense to environmental protection, and it looks at the ways in which chemists and chemical engineers can work together to contribute to an improved future.

This book presents an in-depth discussion on molecular electronics in an easy-to-understand manner, aiming at chemists, computer scientists, surface scientists, physicists, and applied mathematicians. Lighter overviews are provided for the science-minded layperson and the high tech entrepreneur in this nanoscale science. The author has included a detailed synthetic chemistry treasure chest, protocols of self-assembling routes for bottom-up fabrication atop silicon platforms, representative current-voltage and memory readouts from molecular devices, and overviews of present architectural and mathematical approaches to programming molecular computing machines. The investment and commercial insertion landscape is painted along with a “Who's Who” in the molecular electronics business space. Advice and forewarnings are provided in a practical yet witty manner for the aspiring academic corporate founder and the business CEO wannabe seeking to establish a high tech company while wading through the idiosyncratic morass of university personalities and university-owned intellectual property.

In these papers drawn from the January 2003 workshop, contributors describe methods of building integrated systems to combat epidemics and bio-terrorism. Their general topics include developing epidemiology with laboratory support as a biological attack identification tool, using national approaches to biodefense, and conducting risk assessment, cr.

This authoritative new resource provides an overview of the deployment of various devices in systems in actual field conditions and efficacy established in warfare. The book covers laser and optronic technologies that have evolved over the years to build practical devices and systems for use in Homeland Security and low-intensity conflict scenarios. Readers will be able to assess combat and battle-worthiness of various available devices and systems. This book covers state-of-the-art and emerging trends in various optoelectronics technologies having applications in Homeland Security. It provides information on operational aspects, deployment scenarios, and actual usage of laser and optoelectronics based technologies for low intensity conflicts, offering insight into the utility of each technology/device for a given operational requirement. This book evaluates the merits of various laser and optoelectronic sensor based technologies intended for low intensity conflict operations, including counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations. It is a useful reference for those specializing in defense electronics and optronics and professionals in the defence industry involved in operation and maintenance of laser based security equipment. Packed with tables, photographs, and a comprehensive list of references in every chapter, this is the only book that covers all topics related to Laser and Optoelectronics devices intended for low intensity conflict operations in a single volume.

This book arises from the NATO Advanced Study Institute “Technological Innovations in Detection and Sensing of CBRN Agents and Ecological Terrorism” held in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova in June 2010. It comprises a variety of invited contributions by highly experienced educators, scientists, and industrialists, and is structured to cover important aspects of the field that include developments in chemical-biological, and radiation sensing, synthesis and processing of sensors, and applications of sensors in detecting/monitoring contaminants introduced/dispersed inadvertently or intentionally in air, water, and food supplies. The book emphasizes nanomaterials and nanotechnology based sensing and also includes a section on sensing and detection technologies that can be applied to information security. Finally, it examines regional, national, and international policies and ethics related to nanomaterials and sensing. It will be of considerable interest and value to those already pursuing or considering careers in the field of nanostructured materials and nanotechnology based sensing, In general, it serves as a valuable source of information for those interested in how nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are advancing the field of sensing, detection, and remediation, policy makers, and commanders in the field.