Research

Two original technologies introduced in GIDPROvis enable molecular augmented reality where dynamic data for volatile chemicals in air are projected live onto human vision.

Radically new chemical analyzers based on Gas Ion Distillation (GID) and Sequential Ion Processing (SIPRO) separate mixtures in ambient atmospheres and identify components making the unseen world of molecules visible. While GIDPROvis is principally technology driven, aspects of emotional responses of humans to massive access to chemical information, impacts from these perceptions and human psychology will be explored in simulated, controlled visual experiences of chemical auras. Our aim is to launch a fourth generation of methodology for chemical analysis aligned intrinsically to 5G and IoT communication with miniaturized, ultra-low detection level, live data analyzers to detect and identify chemicals in complex matrices.

Transformative capabilities of the technologies in GIDPROvis are:

Gas Ion Distillation

where chemical mixtures are ionized and separated in milliseconds using a pioneering concept of chemical separations through differences in reaction chemistry of gas phase ions. This is a “new chromatography” and paradigm shift eliminating columns, stationary phases, and mobile phases, replacing classic methods for chemical separations based on physical properties.

Sequential Ion Processing

where ions of individual chemicals are processed in electric fields to elucidate molecular identity. SIPRO builds on emerging capabilities to fragment gas ions in air at ambient pressure using strong electric fields, providing structurally significant molecular information, a new scientific achievement.

The radical vision of GID and SIPRO centers on unprecedented capabilities to supply a comprehensive inventory of chemicals in ambient surroundings live with small size, low cost, and portable analyzers. One use of GIDPROvis is illustrated in Figure 1.1 where a woman is observing an urban scene (A) with molecular auras from natural vegetation (green). An individual enters her surroundings carrying a briefcase and chemical vapors, released from the briefcase into the surroundings, are immediately analyzed by GID-SIPRO analyzers. Findings are sent to the Data Hub and merged with an expansive knowledge base of chemical properties, reactivity, and toxicities. Molecular auras of chemicals in the surroundings are produced on her web-enabled watch and advises of danger.

Data Hub

is where chemical information from the GID-SIPRO technology is transmitted and where computational processing of fragment ion spectra occurs. Spectral interpretation is made in real time and includes molecular identities and vapor concentrations of volatile organic compounds in ambient air atmospheres. The findings are presented in visual augmented reality in formats suitable for a user (see Human below).

Human Reactions

A significant component to making GIDPROvis suitable for user communities from first responders, to researchers and to hobbyist is what humans wish to know about their environmental and how chemical information is best delivered in augmented reality. Reactions to chemical vapors real time in proximity to humans is largely unexplored and we anticipate pioneering studies in the Human dimension of molecular augmented reality.