Block Engineering News
Press Releases
Block MEMS Receives Contract from IARPA to Detect Aerosolized Chemical Threats
Southborough, Massachusetts – May 30, 2024
Block MEMS, LLC, a leading supplier of laser-based chemical detection systems, has been a awarded a Phase 1 contract under the Pursuing Intelligent Complex Aerosols for Rapid Detection (PICARD) program funded by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA).
Read the full press release.
For our full archive of past press releases, you may visit our press release page.
Articles and Videos
Video from IARPA on the SILMARILS chemical detection program, featuring Block's technology
Over the past five years, @IARPAnews has tested the SILMARILS program, a technology that makes it physically safer to detect chemicals and narcotics. Learn how this program can save lives by detecting threatening chemicals on surfaces up to 30 meters away. pic.twitter.com/h1brgPCyvm
— Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) November 13, 2020
Shine a Light: Laser Spectrometers Aid in the Detection of Hazardous Chemicals
Block's SBIR contract allowed the company to build the foundation of its Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology, eventually resulting in the current product line of QCL-based chemical detection for military and commercial applications. Daniel Cavicchio, Block's executive chairman, explained that "Block wouldn’t have developed this technology if it hadn’t been for the SBIR program."
Read the article (PDF).
A Quantum Leap for Sensitive Gas Analysis
Quantum cascade lasers offer unprecedented sensitivity and stability, making them a top choice for MIR gas sensing
Read the article (Photonics web site).
Upcoming Events
Protection and Maneuver Support Combined Industry Expo
May 13-15, 2025 | Fort Leonard Wood, MO | Booth 309
An industry expo from the Army Engineer, Military Police and Chemical Corps Associations. Please visit Block at booth 309.
For a full list of upcoming events, you may visit our events page.
