Open AccessNovel miniature spectrometer for remote chemical detection. 1998 annual progress report
Author(s) -
Jeffrey W. Hudgens
Publication year - 1998
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/13463
Subject(s) - spectrometer , cavity ring down spectroscopy , interfacing , optics , planar , broadband , materials science , chemical sensor , remote sensing , optoelectronics , absorption spectroscopy , computer science , physics , computer hardware , geology , computer graphics (images) , electrode , quantum mechanics
'This research will develop an entirely new class of chemical sensing technology that will enable qualitative and quantitative remote, real-time optical diagnostics of chemical species in hazardous gas, liquid, and semi-solid phases through a completely novel implementation of evanescent wave spectroscopy. The sensor design uses a tiny, solid block (< 1 cm{sup 3}) of ultra-high purity optical material that is fabricated into a regular, planar polygon with a convex facet to form a total-internal-reflection ring cavity. Cavity ring-down detection measures the absorption of evanescent waves by chemical species in contact with the cavity. By interfacing the cavity to a remotely located light source and detection system (e.g., 0.1 to 10 Km away), this new technology will permit remote, high-sensitivity, broadband chemical sensing with a rugged, cost-effective, miniature spectrometer. This report summarizes work conducted after 1 year of a 3-year project.