Block awarded deal for IED spectrometer

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. government has contracted Block Engineering to develop a next-generation improvised explosive device materials detection technology.

Massachusetts-based Block Engineering is a developer of microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS. The company was selected by the government to develop a new infrared spectrometer IED threat detection system based on its MEMS technologies for use by the U.S. military.

Under the $4.38 million deal, Block will be expected to develop an MEMS-based handheld spectrometer system that can detect both solid and liquid materials used in making IEDs.

"Block's unique laser and MEMS technologies will enable the detection and identification of these substances in the field and provide our warfighters with a powerful tool in order to protect them against the devastating effects of IEDs," Petros Kotidis, Block Engineering chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Block has a long history of delivering rugged, high performance instruments to government agencies and these new devices will be the next generation of substance identifying, mobile systems with unprecedented capabilities."