QFS develops passive Security Screening System for detection of weapons and other unauthorized objects
QUASAR Federal Systems has recently developed a Security Screening System utilizing QFS’s state-of-the-art magnetic field sensors, our proprietary sensing methodology and a simple, user-friendly software interface. The compact nature of QFS’s magnetic field sensors allows them to be integrated into various structures, and the fact that the system is passive means that the screening can be carried out covertly. The system can detect weapons, and also objects such as cameras and cellphones. The current configuration for screening is an entrance portal, but we have the capability to adapt the system to other specifications and the sensors could be concealed in structures such as support columns and entrance turnstiles.
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QFS selected as EM sensor provider to NASA's Mars Instrument Development Program
QFS is working with the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab (UCB-SSL) on a project to develop a prototype of a deployable instrument package with integrated EM sensors capable of subsurface sounding on Mars. The instrumentation will enable the detection of liquid water at depths of several km beneath the subsurface of Mars. Detecting and characterizing liquid water is a core measurement relevant to the climate history and astrobiological potential of Mars, as well as to the identification of resources that may be accessible to future human missions. QFS is responsible for integration of our electronic and magnetic sensing technology, noise mitigation techniques, and testing of the sensing devices.

QFS and Novx/MKS Instruments Release a Remote Voltage Measurement System for Manufacturing Processes
QFS and Novx/MKS Instruments, a leading supplier of ESC/ESD-related monitoring instruments, cleanroom and ESD protective work area monitoring and control solutions, have released the first product of their Strategic Alliance Agreement. This dime-sized Product Voltage Sensor interfaced to the Novx/MKS Series 7000 Instrument will monitor at remote distance the charge generated by semiconductor wafers in motion. The system is much more compact and sensitive than any existing system on the market today.

The Product Voltage Sensor is the first in a new generation of products designed for remote/distance measurement of voltage on semiconductor wafers, reticles and carriers during manufacturing processes. This very small form factor sensor is designed to be installed outside of robotic process pathways, providing real-time metrics for product voltage and other conversion measurements. Prior to this sensor’s introduction, electrostatic field measurements have been reliant upon close proximity to the target object, making realistic measurement very impractical at the application level. In addition, the extreme sensitivity of this sensor allows discrimination between target voltage characteristics and other background voltage sources that are part of automated handling.

QFS sensors will interface to Novx/MKS instruments to collect the measured "events", perform customer SPC and offer tool interface for direct I/O for on-line/off-line factory control as well as data reporting to the Novx/MKS Instruments PEMS (Process Environment Monitoring System) for factory monitoring, control and report generation. The QFS sensor was developed under a NASA Phase II SBIR contract and is currently undergoing testing in front-end semiconductor wafer handling environments. Features of the system will be as follows:

• Dime-sized (less than 1" in diameter and 3/16" in height)
• Measurement range of up to 1 meter from target
• Real-time data collection and reporting
• SPC of received data and direct interface to process equipment controller
• Cost-effective capability for SEMI-E78 compliance testing

QFS awarded SBIR Phase II contract and enhancement
The Navy has awarded QFS a Phase II SBIR contract to develop a prototype underwater electric field sensing device. QFS will combine its innovative proprietary electrodes with electronics tailored to system requirements to build a testing prototype device. In addition to the Navy’s interest in this capability, underwater electromagnetic sensing is appealing to the very large civilian resource exploration industry.

In addition to the SBIR Phase II project, QFS has been awarded a Phase II SBIR Enhancement in approximately the same amount as the original Phase II contract to investigate building a prototype EM sensing system for airborne applications.

QFS receives Phase II Plus award from Army
QFS has been awarded a Phase II plus award for further development of its lightning sensing technology. The almost $400,000 contract will allow QFS to create a marketing prototype of its current sensor to enhance the device’s usefulness to customers and user friendly qualities. QFS expects to complete the work in 2008.