Miniature Chemical Sensor

Technical Report · Mon Dec 13 04:00:00 EST 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/835039· OSTI ID:835039

Pipino, Andrew C. R. ^[1]

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1. NIST

A new chemical detection technology has been realized that addresses DOE environmental management needs. The new technology is based on a variant of the sensitive optical absorption technique, cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). Termed evanescent-wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS), the technology employs a miniature solid-state optical resonator having an extremely high Q-factor as the sensing element, where the high-Q is achieved by using ultra-low-attenuation optical materials, ultra-smooth surfaces, and ultra-high reflectivity coatings, as well as low-diffraction-loss designs. At least one total-internal reflection (TIR) mirror is integral to the resonator permitting the concomitant evanescent wave to probe the ambient environment. Several prototypes have been designed, fabricated, characterized, and applied to chemical detection. Moreover, extensions of the sensing concept have been explored to enhance selectivity, sensitivity, and range of application. Operating primarily in the visible and near IR regions, the technology inherently enables remote detection by optical fiber. Producing 11 archival publications, 5 patents, 19 invited talks, 4 conference proceedings, a CRADA, and a patent-license agreement, the project has realized a new chemical detection technology providing >100 times more sensitivity than comparable technologies, while also providing practical advantages.

• Research Organization: NIST, Gaithersburg (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM); USDOE Office of Science and Technology (OST) (EM-50) (US)
• DOE Contract Number: AI07-97ER62518
• OSTI ID: 835039
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/62518-f; 60231; 73844
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ABSORPTION
CAVITY RING-DOWN
CHEMICAL DETECTION
COATINGS
DETECTION
FIELD DEPLOYABLE
HIGH SENSITIVITY
LASER
MANAGEMENT
MINIATURE SENSOR
MIRRORS
OPTICAL
OPTICAL FIBERS
PROBES
REFLECTION
REFLECTIVITY
REMOTE DETECTION
RESONATORS
SELECTIVITY
SENSITIVITY
SPECTROSCOPY