UV-based biological aerosol detector measures the biofluorescence and diffractive scattering produced by aerosol particles as they pass through an intense ultraviolet beam. It is used to monitor environmental particulates and classify them as being of either biological or non-biological origin, and to alarm if there is a sudden increase in the bioaerosol level within a particular particle size range. It was developed by Research International for homeland security, public health and military applications.
Tac-7 tracks background levels of airborne non-biological and biological materials and provides an alarm if there is a rapid increase in the aerosol background. It can also be configured to activate other equipment such as an air sampler. It does not identify the specific type of biological material detected, and for that reason it is correctly characterized as an aerosol “trigger.”
Operation may be monitored remotely using Windows-based software provided with the unit, and changes may be made to its operating characteristics as desired. Signals may be transmitted wirelessly between the Tac-7 and a monitoring PC or other equipment using BioLink™ Bluetooth transmitters and receivers, or via RS-232 cables.