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FirstDefender

FirstDefender is a lightweight, rugged instrument for rapid identification of unknown solids and liquids, including narcotics, TICs, TIMs, explosives and more. Certified to MIL-STD 810F specifications, FirstDefender offers the superior performance, portability, accuracy and durability required by today's military and civilian first responders.

FirstDefender is an all-optical Raman system designed for use by first responders, homeland security, military, law enforcement and forensic chemistry personnel. Key features and benefits:

  • Quickly identifies unknown solid and liquid chemicals from a vast sample library including: explosives, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), toxic industrial materials (TIMs), chemical warfare agents (CWAs) white powders, narcotics and more
  • Mixture analysis software identifies mixture components in seconds—including solid/liquid combinations and aqueous solutions
  • Handheld—weighs less than 4 lbs for easy transport
  • Certified to meet MIL STD-810F requirements for ruggedness
  • Designed for use in the hotzone with tough form factor, quick decontamination and easy operation in full Level A gear
  • Non-contact sampling requires no calibration and no consumables
  • Point-and-shoot operation through sealed translucent containers avoids contamination and exposure and maintains evidence
  • Fully operable over a wide temperature range (-20 °C to +40 °C)
  • Dual sample mode (point-and-shoot or vial mode) enables flexible sampling
  • Integrated NIOSH and CAMEO database provides on-the-spot reference
  • 24/7 technical and reachback support provided for all units
Raman Spectral Range 250 cm- 1 to 2875 cm-1
Spectral Resolution 7 to 10.5 cm-1 (FWHM) across range
Laser (excitation wavelength) 785 nm +/- 0.5 nm, 2 cm-1 linewidth, stability <0.1 cm-1
Laser Output Power 300 mW or lower (adjustable)
Collection Optics NA = 0.33; 18 mm working distance; 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm spot size
Exposure Manual, Automatic modes (100 ms minimum)
Battery Rechargeable 7.4 V Internal Lithium Ion Battery; >5 hours at 25 °C
External Power Supply Wall plug transformer 100-240 V AC 50/60 Hz
Weight < 4 lbs. (<1.8 kg)
Size 12" x 6" x 3" (30 cm x 15 cm x 7.6 cm)
Operating Temperature -20 °C to +40 °C

NSERP Approval

FirstDefender has been approved by NSERP, the Non-Standard Equipment Review Panel, established by the Department of Defense for the procurement of chemical and biological defense equipment. NSERP possesses review and authorization authority where Department of Defense (DoD) or national Chemical and Biological Defense Equipment (CBDE) standards do not exist and where the DoD has specific concerns. The CBD NSERP process applies to DoD civilians and military using non-standard chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) equipment in a first responder or IM/CM role, both on military installations and in support to civil authorities.

Handheld Raman for Explosives Identification

James T. Thurman, associate professor at Eastern Kentucky University and former Chief of the FBI Bomb Data Center, conducted an independent evaluation of FirstDefender as a screening tool for field ID of commercial, military, homemade explosives, and explosive precursors. FirstDefender returned an 89% positive ID rate (including mixtures) with no false positives. Contact Ahura Scientific to obtain the full test report.

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center has conducted two independent evaluations of Ahura Scientific’s FirstDefender. Full report results are available upon request for the following:

MIL-STD 810F Testing

FirstDefender is certified to MIL-STD 810F specifications for ruggedness, including

  • Operation in extreme temperatures
  • Temperature and functional shock
  • Humidity
  • Sand and Dust
  • Immersion
  • Vibration

Download the certification letter or contact Ahura Scientific to obtain the full test report.