Title: Reverse photoacoustic standoff spectroscopy

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.

Inventors:

Van Neste, Charles W ^[1]; Senesac, Lawrence R ^[2]; Thundat, Thomas G ^[2]

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+ Show Inventor Affiliations

1. Kingston, TN
2. Knoxville, TN

Issue Date:

Tue Apr 12 00:00:00 EDT 2011

Research Org.:

UT-Battelle LLC/ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1016723

Patent Number(s):

7924423

Application Number:

US Patent Application 12/189,663

Assignee:

UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N2021/1793 - {Remote sensing}
G01N2021/4709 - {Backscatter}
G01N2021/4735 - {Solid samples, e.g. paper, glass}
G01N21/1702 - {with opto-acoustic detection, e.g. for gases or analysing solids}
G01N21/47 - Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
G01N2291/0427 - Flexural waves, plate waves, e.g. Lamb waves, tuning fork, cantilever
G01N29/2418 - {using optoacoustic interaction with the material, e.g. laser radiation, photoacoustics

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC05-00OR22725

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION