Block Engineering

since 1956, block engineering has pioneered revolutionary instruments that detect and identify gases, liquids, and solids. block's recently introduced line of next generation mid-infrared spectrometers, based on quantum cascade lasers (qcl), offer unparalleled sensitivity, speed, and versatility for applications ranging from standoff surface detection of explosives and chemical threats to powerful analysis of microscopic targets, such as biological cells or forensic samples. furthermore, our renowned standoff fourier transform infrared (ftir) spectrometers have been used to detect chemical clouds as far as three miles away and are currently deployed in both fixed and portable configurations. these rugged field instruments are used for both surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure. block is also pushing for more future technological breakthroughs by developing a highly portable, pen-sized ftir spectrometer for field applications based on microelectromechanical systems (mem