Ozone alteration for background references using QCL-based mid infrared standoff spectroscopy

Inseok Chae; C. W. Van Neste; Thomas Thundat

doi:10.1117/12.2178606

22 May 2015 Ozone alteration for background references using QCL-based mid infrared standoff spectroscopy

Inseok Chae, C. W. Van Neste, Thomas Thundat

Proceedings Volume 9467, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VII; 94672P (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178606
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Mid-Infrared standoff spectroscopy using Quantum Cascade Lasers has been a focus of on-going research for many years. When attempting to detect trace analyte residues, the greatest challenge facing this technology is not in the lasers, but the difficulty in creating a spectroscopic background reference for an unknown surface. Such techniques as Differential Location Measurements fail when analyte concentrations are below 1 μg/cm². To overcome this challenge of unknown surface backgrounds, we propose a technique to alter the IR absorption peaks of a target analyte by exposing the surface to a high intensity, alternating electric field in a standoff fashion. The high intensity electric field generates ozone radicals from the local air, oxidizing organic compounds on the surface. A spectrum of the surface before and after the ozone radicals is obtained. The ozone altered spectrum acts as the reference background and is compared against the un-altered spectrum, generating a differential signal used to identify the target analyte.

Citation Download Citation

Inseok Chae, C. W. Van Neste, and Thomas Thundat "Ozone alteration for background references using QCL-based mid infrared standoff spectroscopy", Proc. SPIE 9467, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VII, 94672P (22 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178606

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