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Print Edition StoriesThursday, November 5, 2009
Block Engineering’s explosive detection tech grabs federal funding
By Brendan Lynch
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Spectrometry technology-maker Block Engineering Inc. reports it has landed $4.4 million from the U.S. government to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer to detect explosive materials.
Block Engineering’s spectrometer uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and lasers to detect materials used in roadside bombs. The spectrometer could also be used to detect chemical weapons, and toxic industrial chemicals, the company said.
In April, Block landed $3.3 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop miniature infrared sensors. The funding was comprised of several contracts from undisclosed Department of Defense agencies. Under the deals, Marlborough-based Block will develop ultra-miniaturized infrared spectrometers. The company plans to base the technology on its microelectromechanical (MEMS) and quantum cascade laser technologies.
In October 2007, Peter Kotidis, formerly of Billerica-based MEMS-maker Axsun Technologies Inc., became CEO of Block.
Block makes infrared spectrometers, some as small as a fountain pen, for chemical detection and analysis for the military, government, commercial, and industrial sectors.
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