1
|
Pangerl J, Moser E, Müller M, Weigl S, Jobst S, Rück T, Bierl R, Matysik FM. A sub-ppbv-level Acetone and Ethanol Quantum Cascade Laser Based Photoacoustic Sensor - Characterization and Multi-Component Spectra Recording in Synthetic Breath. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 30:100473. [PMID: 36970564 PMCID: PMC10033733 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Trace gas analysis in breath is challenging due to the vast number of different components. We present a highly sensitive quantum cascade laser based photoacoustic setup for breath analysis. Scanning the range between 8263 and 8270 nm with a spectral resolution of 48 pm, we are able to quantify acetone and ethanol within a typical breath matrix containing water and CO2. We photoacoustically acquired spectra within this region of mid-infra-red light and prove that those spectra do not suffer from non-spectral interferences. The purely additive behavior of a breath sample spectrum was verified by comparing it with the independently acquired single component spectra using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. A previously presented simulation approach is improved and an error attribution study is presented. With a 3σ detection limit of 6.5 ppbv in terms of ethanol and 250 pptv regarding acetone, our system is among the best performing presented so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Pangerl
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo, and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Moser
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Faculty of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Max Müller
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo, and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Weigl
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Simon Jobst
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo, and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rück
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Bierl
- Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ), Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank-Michael Matysik
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo, and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Widely-Tunable Quantum Cascade-Based Sources for the Development of Optical Gas Sensors. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20226650. [PMID: 33233578 PMCID: PMC7699741 DOI: 10.3390/s20226650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spectroscopic techniques based on Distributed FeedBack (DFB) Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) provide good results for gas detection in the mid-infrared region in terms of sensibility and selectivity. The main limitation is the QCL relatively low tuning range (~10 cm-1) that prevents from monitoring complex species with broad absorption spectra in the infrared region or performing multi-gas sensing. To obtain a wider tuning range, the first solution presented in this paper consists of the use of a DFB QCL array. Tuning ranges from 1335 to 1387 cm-1 and from 2190 to 2220 cm-1 have been demonstrated. A more common technique that will be presented in a second part is to implement a Fabry-Perot QCL chip in an external-cavity (EC) system so that the laser could be tuned on its whole gain curve. The use of an EC system also allows to perform Intra-Cavity Laser Absorption Spectroscopy, where the gas sample is placed within the laser resonator. Moreover, a technique only using the QCL compliance voltage technique can be used to retrieve the spectrum of the gas inside the cavity, thus no detector outside the cavity is needed. Finally, a specific scheme using an EC coherent QCL array can be developed. All these widely-tunable Quantum Cascade-based sources can be used to demonstrate the development of optical gas sensors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Liao CS, Blanchard R, Pfluegl C, Azimi M, Huettig F, Vakhshoori D. Portable broadband photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas detection by quantum cascade laser arrays. OPTICS LETTERS 2020; 45:3248-3251. [PMID: 32538954 DOI: 10.1364/ol.395202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We report a portable broadband photoacoustic spectroscopic system for trace gas detection using distributed feedback quantum cascade laser arrays. By sequentially firing 128 lasers, our system acquires a photoacoustic spectrum covering 565cm-1 (935-1500cm-1) with a normalized-noise-equivalent-absorption coefficient of 2.5×10-9cm-1WHz-1/2. The firing sequence that determines when and which laser to activate is programmable, which enables frequency-multiplexing excitation. For demonstration, 12 lasers are modulated simultaneously at distinct frequencies, and a photoacoustic spectrum is acquired within 13 ms. The compactness (28cm×17cm×13cm, 3.5 kg) and low power consumption enable convenient installation for on-site monitoring.
Collapse
|
4
|
Morrison KA, Bythell BJ, Clowers BH. Interrogating Proton Affinities of Organophosphonate Species Via Atmospheric Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry and Computational Methods. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2019; 30:1308-1320. [PMID: 30993636 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-019-02202-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Within trace vapor analysis in environmental monitoring, defense, and industry, atmospheric flow tube mass spectrometry (AFT-MS) can fill a role that incorporates non-contact vapor analysis with the selectivity and low detection limits of mass spectrometry. AFT-MS has been applied to quantitating certain explosives by selective clustering with nitrate and more recently applied to detecting tributyl phosphate and dimethyl methylphosphonate as protonated species. Developing AFT-MS methods for organophosphorus species is appealing, given that this class of compounds includes a range of pollutants, chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants, and CWA degradation products. A key aspect of targeting organophosphorus analytes has included the use of dopant ion chemistry to form adducts that impart additional analytical selectivity. The assessment of potential dopant molecules suited to enhance detection of these compounds is hindered by few published ion thermochemical properties for organophosphorus species, such as proton affinity, which can be used for approximating proton-bound dimer bond strength. As a preliminary investigation for the progression of sensing methods involving AFT-MS, we have applied both the extended kinetic method and computational approaches to eight organophosphorus CWA simulants to determine their respective gas-phase proton affinities. Notable observed trends, supported by computational efforts, include an increase in proton affinity as the alkyl chain lengths on the phosphonates increased. Graphical Abstract .
Collapse
|
5
|
Morrison KA, Ewing RG, Clowers BH. Ambient vapor sampling and selective cluster formation for the trace detection of tributyl phosphate via atmospheric flow tube mass spectrometry. Talanta 2019; 195:683-690. [PMID: 30625601 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In addition to serving as an f-element ligand and rare-earth method complexing agent, tributyl phosphate is a compound containing core functional groups that mimic those routinely found in degradation products from industrial processes. Because detection of trace quantities of tributyl phosphate can provide insight into the routes of contamination and degradation in the environment, there is a need to develop methods capable of detecting trace quantities of tributyl phosphate. Vapor detection at atmospheric pressure is one approach that is both sensitive and rapid. We present here the use of atmospheric flow tube mass spectrometry for the ambient vapor sampling of tributyl phosphate from headspace of ppb-level solutions in methanol. Gas phase clustering reactions were to enhance detection levels via the addition of small quantities of the dopants diethylamine, triethylamine, and pinacolyl methylphosphonate in the vapor stream. Detection of the tributyl phosphate vapor emanating from these solutions demonstrated a linear range for the protonated tributyl phosphate species of 1-1000 ppb from solution. The clusters of tributyl phosphate with diethylamine, triethylamine, and pinacolyl phosphonate each yielded linear ranges of 1-250 ppb for tributyl phosphate in solution. Despite smaller linear ranges, the addition of these dopant species added a layer of analytical selectivity and reduced variability in signals from quality control samples. These data were obtained using an atmospheric flow tube source coupled to a linear ion trap mass spectrometer, which demonstrates the applicability of trapping systems to the atmospheric flow tube ionization technique while monitoring positive ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Morrison
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Robert G Ewing
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Brian H Clowers
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Photoacoustic spectroscopy with mica and graphene micro-mechanical levers for multicomponent analysis of acetic acid, acetone and methanol mixture. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
7
|
Rao KS, Razdan AK, Tyagi A, Chaudhary AK. Temperature dependent time resolved mid-IR photoacoustic spectroscopy of a nerve gas simulant DMMP. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 204:696-701. [PMID: 29982161 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The paper reports the temperature dependent pulsed photoacoustic spectroscopy of Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) a nerve gas simulant between 50 and 180 °C temperature range. The time domain PA spectra are recorded using two mid-IR wavelengths i.e. 3374 nm, 3495 nm of pulse duration 1.5 ns at 1 kHz repetition rate obtained from optical parametric oscillator. Two anti-symmetric stretching vibrational modes of (CH3P) and (CH3O) groups of DMMP molecules have very strong vibrational peaks at 2861.2 cm-1 (3495 nm) and 2963.8 cm-1 (3374 nm), respectively. In addition, we have also recorded the PA spectra of acetone at the vibrational frequency 3115.2 cm-1 (3210 nm), which is the strong vibrational mode of CH band. The comparison of two PA spectra of DMMP and acetone recorded using similar PA cavity help us to understand the effect of other functional groups with respect to different excitation wavelengths. The presence of additional acoustic modes in the PA spectra of DMMP (3374 nm) above the boiling point confirms the slow process of thermal decomposition. Finally, the low level detection limit of DMMP in air is of the of the order of 0.91 ppbV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Rao
- Advanced Center of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM), University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India; The Guo China-US Photonics Laboratory, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - A K Razdan
- Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi 110054, India
| | - Akansha Tyagi
- Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi 110054, India
| | - A K Chaudhary
- Advanced Center of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM), University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stand-Off Chemical Detection Using Photoacoustic Sensing Techniques—From Single Element to Phase Array. CHEMOSENSORS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors6010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
9
|
Cullum BM, Holthoff EL, Pellegrino PM. Optical reflection and waveguiding of sound by photo-thermally induced barriers. OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 25:22738-22749. [PMID: 29041580 DOI: 10.1364/oe.25.022738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Control and manipulation of sound is of critical importance to many different scientific and engineering fields, requiring the design of rigid physical structures with precise geometries and material properties for the desired acoustics. In this work, we demonstrate the ability to manipulate the direction and magnitude of sound waves traveling in air using laser light, without the need for physical interfaces associated with different materials. Efficient reflection of sound waves off of transient, optically generated, abrupt air density barriers is demonstrated, with acoustic reflections greater than 25% of the incident acoustic wave amplitude. Implementation of multiple barriers, can result in complete suppress the transmission of incident acoustic signals as great as 70 dB. Additionally, shaping the laser beam acoustic waveguides can be generated with dramatically reduced transmission losses.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou S, Slaman M, Iannuzzi D. Demonstration of a highly sensitive photoacoustic spectrometer based on a miniaturized all-optical detecting sensor. OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 25:17541-17548. [PMID: 28789245 DOI: 10.1364/oe.25.017541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report on the development of a highly sensitive photoacoustic (PA) spectrometer based on a miniaturized all-optical detecting sensor. The sensor has a cell volume of less than 6 μL and relies on a cantilever-based acoustic transducer, which is equipped with an optical fiber interferometric readout. The spectrometer reaches a noise equivalent concentration of 15 ppb (300 ms time constant) for acetylene detection using a 23 mW excitation laser source, which corresponds to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 7.7 × 10-10 W cm-1 Hz-1/2. The performance offered by this PA spectrometer is thus comparable to those reported for bulkier PA analyzers. Furthermore, because both the excitation and detection signals are brought to the PA cell via optical fibers, our spectrometer can be used in harsh environments, where electronic devices are prone to failure, and it is specially suitable for multiplexed remote detection applications. We believe that our study paves the way for the development of PA spectrometers that allow in-situ gas detection in space-limited circumstances.
Collapse
|
11
|
Marcus LS, Holthoff EL, Pellegrino PM. Standoff Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Explosives. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 71:833-838. [PMID: 27340220 DOI: 10.1177/0003702816654168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Detection and identification of unknown and possibly hazardous materials is a vital area of research to which infrared (IR) spectroscopy is ideally suited. Infrared absorption spectra can be measured with many sensing paradigms of which photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a sensitive and flexible variant. The flexibility of PAS allows for the construction of narrowly tailored spectroscopic sensors that are designed for specific tasks. We discuss the evaluation of an interferometric PAS sensor by the measurement of common explosive hazards from a standoff distance of 1 m. Reproduction of IR absorption spectra for 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) demonstrate the capabilities of the interferometric sensor for standoff explosives detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan S Marcus
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, RDRL-SEE-E, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kumar D, Gautam S, Kumar S, Gupta S, Srivastava HB, Thakur SN, Sharma RC. Ultrasensitive photoacoustic sensor based on quantum cascade laser spectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 176:47-51. [PMID: 28064138 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The paper focuses on development of ultra-sonic detection system based on laser photoacoustic spectroscopic technique and processing of signal for detection of very low quantity chemicals, explosive materials, and mixtures of these hazardous molecules. The detection system has been developed for the first time with specially designed one side open photo-acoustic cell having high quality factor. Explosive and Hazardous materials like RDX, DNT, PETN, Gun Powder, TATP (Tri acetone tri-peroxide) and their simulants like Acetone were detected in 7 to 9μm wavelength band. Lock in amplifier electronic instrument was used for the detection of hazardous chemicals and mixture of explosives in very low quantity. Detection limit of the photoacoustic ultrasonic sensor was also carried out of powder, liquid and adsorbed on surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Surya Gautam
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | | | - Surya N Thakur
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Ramesh C Sharma
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Holthoff EL, Pellegrino PM. Development of photoacoustic sensing platforms at the Army Research Laboratory. APPLIED OPTICS 2017; 56:B74-B84. [PMID: 28157868 DOI: 10.1364/ao.56.000b74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, chemical sensing platforms have been hampered by the opposing concerns of increasing sensor capability while maintaining a minimal package size. Current sensors, although reasonably sized, are geared to more classical chemical threats, and the ability to expand their capabilities to a broader range of emerging threats is uncertain. Recently, photoacoustic spectroscopy, employed in a sensor format, has shown enormous potential to address these ever-changing threats. Photoacoustic spectroscopy is one of the more flexible infrared spectroscopy variants, and that flexibility allows for the construction of sensors that are designed for specific tasks. The Army Research Laboratory has, for the past 14 years, engaged in research into the development of photoacoustic sensing platforms with the goal of sensor miniaturization and the detection of a variety of chemical targets both proximally and at range. This paper reviews this work.
Collapse
|
14
|
Mylläri V, Hartikainen S, Poliakova V, Anderson R, Jönkkäri I, Pasanen P, Andersson M, Vuorinen J. Detergent impurity effect on recycled HDPE: Properties after repetitive processing. J Appl Polym Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/app.43766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ville Mylläri
- Department of Material Science; Tampere University of Technology; Tampere 33101 Finland
| | - Samuel Hartikainen
- Department of Environmental Science; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio 70211 Finland
| | - Valeria Poliakova
- Department of Energy and Materials Technology; Arcada University of Applied Sciences; Helsinki 00560 Finland
| | | | - Ilari Jönkkäri
- Department of Material Science; Tampere University of Technology; Tampere 33101 Finland
| | - Pertti Pasanen
- Department of Environmental Science; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio 70211 Finland
| | - Mirja Andersson
- Department of Energy and Materials Technology; Arcada University of Applied Sciences; Helsinki 00560 Finland
| | - Jyrki Vuorinen
- Department of Material Science; Tampere University of Technology; Tampere 33101 Finland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mackie DM, Jahnke JP, Benyamin MS, Sumner JJ. Simple, fast, and accurate methodology for quantitative analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with bio-hybrid fuel cell examples. MethodsX 2016; 3:128-38. [PMID: 26977411 PMCID: PMC4781924 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard methodologies for quantitative analysis (QA) of mixtures using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) instruments have evolved until they are now more complicated than necessary for many users’ purposes. We present a simpler methodology, suitable for widespread adoption of FTIR QA as a standard laboratory technique across disciplines by occasional users.Algorithm is straightforward and intuitive, yet it is also fast, accurate, and robust. Relies on component spectra, minimization of errors, and local adaptive mesh refinement. Tested successfully on real mixtures of up to nine components.
We show that our methodology is robust to challenging experimental conditions such as similar substances, component percentages differing by three orders of magnitude, and imperfect (noisy) spectra. As examples, we analyze biological, chemical, and physical aspects of bio-hybrid fuel cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Mackie
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - Justin P Jahnke
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - Marcus S Benyamin
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - James J Sumner
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li JS, Yu B, Fischer H, Chen W, Yalin AP. Contributed review: quantum cascade laser based photoacoustic detection of explosives. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:031501. [PMID: 25832204 DOI: 10.1063/1.4916105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Detecting trace explosives and explosive-related compounds has recently become a topic of utmost importance for increasing public security around the world. A wide variety of detection methods and an even wider range of physical chemistry issues are involved in this very challenging area. Optical sensing methods, in particular mid-infrared spectrometry techniques, have a great potential to become a more desirable tools for the detection of explosives. The small size, simplicity, high output power, long-term reliability make external cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCLs) the promising spectroscopic sources for developing analytical instrumentation. This work reviews the current technical progress in EC-QCL-based photoacoustic spectroscopy for explosives detection. The potential for both close-contact and standoff configurations using this technique is completely presented over the course of approximately the last one decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J S Li
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - B Yu
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - H Fischer
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
| | - W Chen
- Laboratoire de Physicochimie de l'Atmosphére, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Dunkerque, France
| | - A P Yalin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1374, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rouxel J, Coutard JG, Gidon S, Lartigue O, Nicoletti S, Parvitte B, Vallon R, Zéninari V, Glière A. Development of a Miniaturized Differential Photoacoustic Gas Sensor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
18
|
Lee D, Kim S, Van Neste CW, Lee M, Jeon S, Thundat T. Photoacoustic spectroscopy of surface adsorbed molecules using a nanostructured coupled resonator array. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 25:035501. [PMID: 24346340 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/3/035501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A rapid method of obtaining photoacoustic spectroscopic signals for trace amounts of surface adsorbed molecules using a nanostructured coupled resonator array is described. Explosive molecules adsorbed on a nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide cantilever, which has hexagonally ordered nanowells with diameters and well-to-well distances of 35 nm and 100 nm, respectively, are excited using pulsed infrared (IR) light with a frequency matching the common mode resonance frequency of the coupled resonator. The common mode resonance amplitudes of the coupled resonator as a function of illuminating IR wavelength present a photoacoustic IR absorption spectrum representing the chemical signatures of the adsorbed explosive molecules. In addition, the mass of the adsorbed molecules as an orthogonal signal for quantitative analysis is determined by measuring the variation of the localized, individual mode resonance frequency of a cantilever on the array. The limit of detection of the ternary mixture of explosive molecules (1:1:1 of trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)) is estimated to be ~ 100 ng cm(-2). These multi-modal signals enable us to perform quantitative and rapid chemical sensing and analysis in ambient conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongkyu Lee
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Challenges in the design and fabrication of a lab-on-a-chip photoacoustic gas sensor. SENSORS 2014; 14:957-74. [PMID: 24406858 PMCID: PMC3926596 DOI: 10.3390/s140100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The favorable downscaling behavior of photoacoustic spectroscopy has provoked in recent years a growing interest in the miniaturization of photoacoustic sensors. The individual components of the sensor, namely widely tunable quantum cascade lasers, low loss mid infrared (mid-IR) waveguides, and efficient microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones are becoming available in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technologies. This paves the way for the joint processes of miniaturization and full integration. Recently, a prototype microsensor has been designed by the means of a specifically designed coupled optical-acoustic model. This paper discusses the new, or more intense, challenges faced if downscaling is continued. The first limitation in miniaturization is physical: the light source modulation, which matches the increasing cell acoustic resonance frequency, must be kept much slower than the collisional relaxation process. Secondly, from the acoustic modeling point of view, one faces the limit of validity of the continuum hypothesis. Namely, at some point, velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions must be used, instead of the continuous boundary conditions, which are valid at the macro-scale. Finally, on the technological side, solutions exist to realize a complete lab-on-a-chip, even if it remains a demanding integration problem.
Collapse
|
20
|
Clément Q, Melkonian JM, Barrientos-Barria J, Dherbecourt JB, Raybaut M, Godard A. Tunable optical parametric amplification of a single-frequency quantum cascade laser around 8 μm in ZnGeP2. OPTICS LETTERS 2013; 38:4046-4049. [PMID: 24321919 DOI: 10.1364/ol.38.004046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate optical parametric amplification in ZnGeP(2) (ZGP) of the radiation emitted by a single-frequency continuous-wave quantum cascade laser (QCL) in the range 7.8-8.4 μm. The ZGP amplifier is pumped by a single-frequency parametric source at 2210 nm. For a pump energy of 6 mJ, we report an average gain of 50 over this range and a maximum gain of 111 for 7.5 mJ. An exponential trend is observed when changing the pump energy, with very good agreement with theory. These features are of valuable interest for increasing the standoff detection range of hazardous chemicals and explosives by QCL-based backscattering spectroscopy systems.
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Chen X, Cheng L, Guo D, Kostov Y, Choa FS. Quantum cascade laser based standoff photoacoustic chemical detection. OPTICS EXPRESS 2011; 19:20251-20257. [PMID: 21997036 DOI: 10.1364/oe.19.020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Standoff chemical detection with a distance of more than 41 feet using photoacoustic effect and quantum cascade laser (QCL) operated at relatively low power, less than 40 mW, is demonstrated for the first time. The option of using QCL provides the advantages of easy tuning and modulation besides the benefit of compact size, light weight and low power consumption. The standoff detection signal can be calibrated as a function of different parameters such as laser pulse energy, gas vapor concentration and detection distance. The results yield good agreements with theoretical model. Techniques to obtain even longer detection distance and achieve outdoor operations are in the process of implementation and their projection is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
|