First Defender – Breakthrough Rugged, Handheld Chemical Identification System Available to First Responders

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

First Defender – Breakthrough Rugged, Handheld Chemical Identification System Available to First Responders

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE |

Corporate Responsibility

Science & Technology

Syndication Partners

**************************************************************************

E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

**************************************************************************

First Defender – Breakthrough Rugged, Handheld Chemical Identification System Available to First Responders

WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, Mar. 24 -/E-Wire/-- Ahura Corporation, a manufacturer of rugged optical instrumentation, has developed a revolutionary handheld Raman instrument for the identification of unknown liquids and solids by first responders. The new First Defender system has been shipping to teams in North America and Europe.

The rapid identification of potentially hazardous materials including toxic industrial chemicals, explosives, chemical warfare agents, and narcotics is becoming increasing critical to first responders. The First Defender is the only truly handheld and rugged instrument for in-the-field identification of unknown solids and liquids by first responders, soldiers, law enforcement and homeland security personnel on-site. The First Defender sets the standard for accuracy, applicability, durability, ruggedness and usability, far exceeding anything else available. Based on Ahura's patented "optical engine" technology, the First Defender offers superior performance and is extremely easy to use.

The First Defender is an all-optical system based on Raman spectroscopy. Raman has unique properties that complement other techniques currently used in the field.. Raman: * Identifies liquids and solids * Library capable of holding thousands of unique substance signatures * Sampling is non-contact, non-destructive and requires no preparation * Can identify chemicals in aqueous solutions * Can identify the components of mixtures The First Defender system has taken high resolution Raman spectroscopy and optimized it for use in the field. It enables accurate identification of liquids and solids in seconds:

* Lightweight – Less than 3 lbs, including battery and internal computer * Rugged and waterproof (mil spec) * Designed to be operated in a Level A suit * Handheld * Sophisticated algorithms allow users to easily obtain correct results at the scene * Operates over wide temperature range (-20C to 40C) * Dual mode (in sample vials or directly onto sample) * Operates through glass bottles and plastic bags without opening them * Large sample library including: WMD, chemical weapons, explosives, toxic chemicals, white-powders, narcotics, contraband, & forensics * 5 Hour Operational Battery Life * Fast startup operation: 15 seconds from a cold start to first measurement

"We are committed to become the leader in innovative ultra compact portable instrumentation" announced Dr. Daryoosh Vakhshoori, Founder and CEO, "We are driven to develop cost effective products for first responders. We will continue to push the technological envelop on product performance while moving quickly to transition our designs into production for customers in government and industry."

About Ahura - Ahura Corporation has developed breakthrough technology in ultra-compact optical systems and is leading the realization of portable optical solutions for homeland security, life sciences, industrial, and communications markets. Ahura's "optical engine" technology offers superior performance at disruptive prices, fundamentally expanding the market. The company is collaborating with OEM customers and government agencies on medical, industrial and security applications. More information about Ahura Corporation is available at www.ahuracorp.com.

[REDACTED-EMAIL]

http://www.ahuracorp.com

**************************************************************************

To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or

call 1-[REDACTED-PHONE]. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

**************************************************************************

1993 - 2006. All Rights Reserved.