Southwest Sciences, Inc. was established in 1985 to conduct basic and applied research in the physical sciences. We perform research and develop technology in combustion, atmospheric chemistry, imaging, and optical sciences. We specialize in the development of state-of-the-art optical and mass spectrometric technologies and the extension of these technologies into the marketplace. Our major customers are the United States government and private industry.
The company was founded by Dr. Alan C. Stanton and Dr. Joel A. Silver. Southwest Sciences' scientific staff includes twelve Ph.D. scientists with over 200 years of combined experience. We have authored 200 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and hold sixteen US and foreign patents with sixteen more pending. Our work, particularly in laser-based detection methods, has earned Southwest Sciences an international reputation for excellence in research. Collaborations with scientists in academia and at National Labs further extend our capabilities.
Southwest Sciences has invested in patents for the intellectual property arising from our research. These patents form the basis for the broader commercialization of this technology through licenses to third party instrument manufacturers.
Winner of the R&D100 Award!
Southwest Sciences teamed with Southern Cross to develop the '46 Hawk, a hand-held detector for finding leaks in the natural gas pipeline network. Southwest Sciences gas detection technology eliminates hazmat problems with earlier detectors and shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity, with virtually no false alarms. This invention received the R&D100 Award, and it is now manufactured and sold by Southern Cross.
Southwest Sciences Wins a Second Tibbetts Award
Southwest Sciences won a second Tibbetts Award in 2007 from the U. S. Small Business Administration in recognition of our unique contributions as an "SBIR Model of Excellence." Southwest Sciences was nominated "for maintaining R&D excellence in laser-based detection methods, protecting SBIR-sponsored technologies through securing a portfolio of patents that number over 20 and counting, and commercializing SBIR technologies through licensing to meet the growing needs of diverse markets." The company was also recognized in 1998.
What's New!
From our home page you'll find links to descriptions of research projects, the scientists conducting them, the papers and patents we've published. A tutorial explains some of the principles of gas sensing using diode lasers. Here are some recent additions to the content on our site:
- July '07 The '46 Hawk wins an R&D100 Award
- May '07 Imaging by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- May '07 Partnership with Southern Cross for gas leak detection
- April '07 First test flights of our advanced airborne hygrometer on HIAPER
Contact Information
e-mail sciences@swsciences.com