Smiths Detection Launches Portable, High Performance Chemical Detector

Smiths Detection today launched the LCD-NEXUS, a highly selective and sensitive Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) and Toxic Industrial Chemical (TIC) detector suitable for harsh environments. The portable system is capable of detecting harmful agents down to miosis levels, greatly increasing critical information needed by emergency responders and military personnel.

Based on technology originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) program, the largest chemical protection program in the world, the LCD-NEXUS is an extension of Smiths Detection’s LCD product which uses advanced Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology.

Tim Picciotti, Vice President, Smiths Detection, said: “The LCD-NEXUS represents the next evolution of our highly successful LCD technology. We are committed to continuing to invest in developing the best and most useful tools needed by civilian and military personnel as threats evolve.”

The system provides critical chemical details including class, type, concentration and dosage as well as CWA identification. Its communications capabilities enable systems to be networked together and remotely controlled, creating an invisible, low-maintenance and reliable CWA warning grid for enhanced perimeter protection.

Simon Read, Product Manager, Global Military & Emergency Response, Smiths Detection, said: “The LCD-NEXUS simultaneously samples for traces of CWAs and TICs to provide real-time warning for threats. Because we use dual dopant technology with our unique miniature pre-concentrators, we not only increased the sensitivity of the device but also the selectivity. This cuts false alarms and makes the LCD-NEXUS an obvious choice for civilian and military users.”

In addition to use in perimeter protection applications, the LCD-NEXUS will also serve fixed or moving platforms like ships and tightly confined areas where highly reliable and dependable detection solutions with low false alarm rates are necessary.

Smiths Detection (www.smithsdetection.com) offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband. It is part of Smiths Group (www.smiths.com), a global leader in applying advanced technologies to markets in threat as well as contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.

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