Laser-based instrumentation for the detection of chemical agents. Progress report, October 1, 1981-December 31, 1981

Technical Report · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5195227

Evaluation of the detection of chemical agents and their simulants by synchronous detection of laser-induced fluorescence (SDLIF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) continued. The recently completed SDLIF apparatus was tested with a solution of tetracene in benzene. The conventional fluorescence spectrum of tetracene exhibits a bandwidth of approximately 90 nm, whereas the synchronously detected spectrum has a spectral width of only 7 nm. The potential impact of both spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering on agent detection by SDLIF was investigated. Neither Raman process seemed to impose detection limitations. Extension of the spectral tuning range of the SDLIF system to wavelengths as short as 210 nm was begun. This capability is vital, because the absorption bands of most agents and their simulants are in this portion of the ultraviolet range. Further attempts to use LIBS to detect nascent CN radicals arising from molecules containing this species were unsuccessful. Evidently, the CN in the laser-generated plasma results almost exclusively from recombination of carbon and nitrogen atoms. Arsenic was detected successfully with LIBS. Preliminary measurements indicate a detection limit of 460 ppB.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5195227
• Report Number(s): LA-9235-PR; ON: DE82013748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
AROMATICS
BENZENE
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FLUORESCENCE
HYDROCARBONS
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
LUMINESCENCE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
QUALITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RAMAN EFFECT
SPECTROSCOPY
TETRACENE