Open AccessTrace aerosol detection and identification by dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Ryan M. Sullenberger,
Michelle L. Clark,
Roderick R. Kunz,
Alan C. Samuels,
Darren K. Emge,
Michael W. Ellzy,
Charles M. Wynn
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.0a1810
Subject(s) - photoacoustic spectroscopy , trace gas , aerosol , absorbance , materials science , spectroscopy , optics , sensitivity (control systems) , trace (psycholinguistics) , photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine , analytical chemistry (journal) , remote sensing , chemistry , environmental chemistry , physics , meteorology , geology , linguistics , philosophy , quantum mechanics , electronic engineering , engineering
Dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy (DPAS) is a high sensitivity technique for standoff detection of trace vapors. A field-portable DPAS system has potential as an early warning provider for gaseous-based chemical threats. For the first time, we utilize DPAS to successfully detect the presence of trace aerosols. Aerosol identification via long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectra is demonstrated. We estimate the sensitivity of our DPAS system to aerosols comprised of silica particles is comparable to that of SF(6) gas based on a signal level per absorbance unit metric for the two materials. The implications of these measurements are discussed.