Open AccessDevelopment and characterization of an inexpensive single-particle fluorescence spectrometer for bioaerosol monitoring
Author(s) -
Benjamin E. Swanson,
J. A. Huffman
Publication year - 2018
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.26.003646
Subject(s) - optics , bioaerosol , spectrometer , context (archaeology) , fluorescence , remote sensing , laser induced fluorescence , calibration , characterization (materials science) , laser , materials science , spectral resolution , particle (ecology) , wavelength , aerosol , environmental science , physics , spectral line , geology , astronomy , paleontology , oceanography , quantum mechanics , meteorology
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques to analyze atmospheric aerosols are commonly applied for research and human exposure monitoring, but are very expensive or offer poor spectral resolution. Here, we discuss how a recently proposed instrument can acquire resolved fluorescence spectra from many individual particles in a single camera image using four excitation wavelengths matched with common biological fluorophores for particle discrimination at lower cost. We discuss emission intensity calibration and demonstrate spectral differentiation among four species of pollen. These data provide context for how the instrument could be developed for pollen and mold-spore detection or for use by citizen scientists.