High-sensitivity high-selectivity detection of CWAs and TICs using tunable laser photoacoustic spectroscopy

Michael Pushkarsky; Michael Webber; C. Kumar N. Patel

doi:10.1117/12.582680

25 March 2005 High-sensitivity high-selectivity detection of CWAs and TICs using tunable laser photoacoustic spectroscopy

Michael Pushkarsky, Michael Webber, C. Kumar N. Patel

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Proceedings Volume 5732, Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices II; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.582680
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2005, 2005, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We provide a general technique for evaluating the performance of an optical sensor for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in realistic environments and present data from a simulation model based on a field deployed discretely tunable ¹³CO₂ laser photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Results of our calculations show the sensor performance in terms of usable sensor sensitivity as a function of probability of false positives (PFP). The false positives arise from the presence of many other gases in the ambient air that could be interferents. Using the L-PAS as it exists today, we can achieve a detection threshold of about 4 ppb for the CWAs while maintaining a PFP of less than 1:10⁶. Our simulation permits us to vary a number of parameters in the model to provide guidance for performance improvement. We find that by using a larger density of laser lines (such as those obtained through the use of tunable semiconductor lasers), improving the detector noise and maintaining the accuracy of laser frequency determination, optical detection schemes can make possible CWA sensors having sub-ppb detection capability with <1:10⁸ PFP. We also describe the results of a preliminary experiment that verifies the results of the simulation model. Finally, we discuss the use of continuously tunable quantum cascade lasers in L-PAS for CWA and TIC detection.

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Michael Pushkarsky, Michael Webber, and C. Kumar N. Patel "High-sensitivity high-selectivity detection of CWAs and TICs using tunable laser photoacoustic spectroscopy", Proc. SPIE 5732, Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices II, (25 March 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.582680

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KEYWORDS

Sensors

Absorption

Gas lasers

Photoacoustic spectroscopy

Carbon monoxide

Tunable lasers

Gases

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