Intevac Photonics, a division of Intevac Inc., announced today that its DeltaNu business unit has been awarded a $1 million contract from the Department of Defense to develop advanced Raman spectroscopy systems for both military and civilian applications. Applications include detection of toxic material and pathogens for the military, and detection of hazardous materials for civilian applications. Under this year-long contract, new capabilities for ultra-sensitive detection and detection at long distances will be developed. "With their ability to rapidly detect hazardous materials, DeltaNu’s advanced, high performance Raman systems enable soldiers to be more effective," says Keith Carron, DeltaNu's vice president and general manager. "When life-threatening materials can be detected in seconds, countermeasures can be quickly developed and implemented immediately in the field to significantly improve troop survivability." Carron said that Hazmat identification systems are designed to increase safety in the battlefield, but they are also vital for civilian applications, including the fast detection of toxic materials from chemical spills and other situations that threaten life and natural resources. For more information, visit: www.intevac.com