Jmar Wins Army Achievement Award

Posted 12/17/2008

San Diego-based Jmar Technologies Inc., a developer of sensing systems for the detection of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials, has been granted a 2008 Achievement Award under the US Army’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Jmar’s research division earned the award through its development of a small, lightweight double-pulse laser system that uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at distances of more than 30 m. In addition to military and homeland security applications, the technology can be used for drug interdiction, environment hazard analysis, materials identification, geology and geochemistry. The winning SBIR projects were chosen based on originality and innovation, relevance to the Army, commercialization potential and performance. Of the 755 projects eligible for this year’s competition, 41 were forwarded to the achievement awards selection committee. The awards ceremony will be held at the Pentagon Dec. 19.