FirstDefender
The FirstDefender, originally from Ahura, was a hand-held Raman spectrometer designed for on-site identification of unknown solids and liquids. Identifies liquids, solids, and mixtures in under a minute and boot-up time is under a minute. Sampling is non-contact and non-destructive. Spectral deconvolution software enables the Ahura FD to identify mixtures of powders, liquids, chemicals in aqueous solutions and even solid/liquid combinations. Designed to be operated while in protective clothing and can be decontaminated without damage to the unit. Point-and-shoot operation through containers avoids contamination and maintains evidence. The Defender RM/RMX systems replaced the FirstDefender.
Availability: DISCONTINUED
| Manufacturer |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. |
| Product Name |
| FirstDefender |
| Detection Category |
| Chemical; Explosives; |
| Detection Principle |
| Molecular Spectroscopy; |
| Detection Method |
| Raman Spectroscopy; |
| Application |
| Emergency Response; Screening; Bulk Analysis; Forensics; |
| Product Model Number |
| FirstDefender |
| Equipment Type |
| Instrument |
| Product Synopsis |
| The FirstDefender, originally from Ahura, was a hand-held Raman spectrometer designed for on-site identification of unknown solids and liquids. Identifies liquids, solids, and mixtures in under a minute and boot-up time is under a minute. Sampling is non-contact and non-destructive. Spectral deconvolution software enables the Ahura FD to identify mixtures of powders, liquids, chemicals in aqueous solutions and even solid/liquid combinations. Designed to be operated while in protective clothing and can be decontaminated without damage to the unit. Point-and-shoot operation through containers avoids contamination and maintains evidence. The Defender RM/RMX systems replaced the FirstDefender. |
| Availability |
| DISCONTINUED |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) |
| 9 |
| Market Entry Date |
| ~2005 |
| User Feedback Sources |
| Hands-on experience, DoD; Positive user feedback |
| T&E Reports and Standards |
| Reports: Ahura_FirstDefender_125.pdf; Ahura_FirstDefender_125.pdf; Ahura_FirstDefender_125.pdf; Ahura_FirstDefender_125.pdf;
|
| Dimensions |
| 12.5 x 5.75 x 2.75 in (318 x 147 x 70 mm) Case: 14.25 x 11.5 x 6.5 in (362 x 293 x 166 mm) |
| Weight |
| <5 Lbs.; Less than 4 Lbs. (1.8 kg) |
| Power Requirements |
| AC/DC Line Power; Lithium Battery; Operates on AC power or Li ion battery; 5-hr battery life. Unit comes standard with two batteries. Separate battery charging station. |
| Noise Produced |
| None |
| Transportability |
| Handheld |
| Ruggedness |
| Extreme Temperatures/Humidity; Waterproof/Resistant; Vibration/Shock |
| Operating Conditions |
| –20 to 40°C (-4 to 105°F) |
| Consumables |
| <$1,000/year; 4-mL sample vials |
| Calibration Schedule |
| Automated system check prior to use. |
| Suggested Routine Maintenance |
| No user-accessible internal components |
| Communications Interface |
| Data files are transferred to and from the unit via CompactFlash (CF) card. No direct link to external computer or network. |
| Shelf Life |
| >5 years |
| Unit Cost |
| $23,800.00 |
| Tested For Chemical Agents |
| Yes; reference spectral library is included with purchase |
| Tested For ITF-25 TIC/TIMs |
| Yes; reference spectral library is included with purchase |
| Tested For Explosives |
| Yes; reference spectral library is included with purchase |
| Tested For Narcotics |
| Yes; reference spectral library is included with purchase |
| Other Chemical Targets |
| Yes; reference spectral library is included with purchase |
| Number of Library Entries |
| ~12,000 |
| Adaptability |
| Yes; users can add new targets in the field and create custom searchable spectral libraries. Most organic chemicals are capable of producing a searchable Raman spectrum, with the exception of materials that fluoresce when exposed to 785 nm light. |
| Sample Introduction |
| Solid; Liquid |
| Sensitivity/Detection Limits |
| Bulk; mg; g |
| Known Interferents/Inhibitors |
| Successful identification of an unknown is dependent on the presence of the corresponding reference spectrum in the library. Analysis of mixtures can produce erroneous search results unless the library contains a reference spectrum of the mixture itself. Fluorescence, either from the unknown, or a component or interferents in the unknown, can produce intense interference. Fluorescence is up to 106 more intense than the Raman effect that produces a searchable spectrum. |
| False Positive Rates |
| <1% |
| Start Up Time (From Cold Start To Sample Ready) |
| < 1 minute |
| Response Time (Sample Application To Output) |
| <1 minute. Analysis takes longer when sampling through glass or plastic. |
| Total Run Time |
| <5 minutes |
| Alarm Capability |
| Visual |
| Software Control |
| On-board computer with PDA-sized display |
| Other Operational Parameters |
| Class III-B 785 nm laser; users must complete OSHA laser safety training. Warning: laser may ignite or detonate energetic materials when used at highest setting. Direct viewing of a Class IIIb laser beam or reflected beam is hazardous to the eye. Operators should follow ANSI Z136.1 laser safety guidelines. Limited number of components (< 6) |
| Training Required |
| <1 day training |
| Training Available |
| Purchased through vendor |
| Manuals Available |
| Yes |
| Warranties |
| 1 year standard warranty; extended warranty at additional cost |
| IATA Shipping Restrictions |
| Yes; lithium ion battery |
