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Raman efficiency in the middle ultraviolet band for G‐series nerve agents and sulfur mustard
Author(s) -
Kullander Fredrik,
Landström Lars
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/jrs.6264
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , sulfur mustard , raman scattering , ultraviolet , chemistry , laser , spectrometer , analytical chemistry (journal) , coherent anti stokes raman spectroscopy , materials science , optoelectronics , optics , chromatography , physics , organic chemistry , toxicity
Raman spectroscopy has proven useful for chemical agent detection, but the wavelength‐dependent scattering cross section and absorption, as well as induced fluorescence, usually affects the sensitivity. Ultraviolet (UV) wavelength excitation is investigated as a method to increase the efficiency and possibly enhance the applicability for detection of contamination on surfaces from a distance, potentially including an imaging capability. With this aim, we have measured UV Raman spectra and their strength as a function of laser wavelength in a range from 210 to 330 nm using a tunable pulsed laser and a response calibrated spectroscopic system. Results from small droplets of the low volatile chemical warfare agents, GA (tabun), GF (cyclosarin), sulfur mustard (HD), and the agent simulant tributyl phosphate (TBP) applied to silicon wafer surfaces are reported. Particular emphasis is put on the radiative ratio of observed Raman scattering to laser excitation, quantified as the Raman target efficiency. Measured absorption cross sections were used to estimate the effective optical depth and molecular Raman cross sections as a function of wavelength. In addition, a secondary optical probe and spectrometer were used to monitor any induced fluorescence.