Results of a UV TEPS/Raman System for Standoff Detection of Energetic Materials
Abstract
A fully integrated UV Townsend Effect Plasma Spectroscopy (TEPS)-Raman system has been constructed for use of standoff detection of energetic materials. A single 266 nanometer Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser was used for Raman excitation and TEPS plasma ignition. A nearly simultaneous 10.6 micrometer CO2 laser is employed for the signal enhancement in the TEPS measurements. Chemometric techniques are presented for analysis and differentiation between benign and energetic samples. Data Fusion techniques are then employed to improve the measurement statistics. Laser spectroscopy is a leading candidate for solving the standoff Explosive Detection (ED) detection problem. While there are several techniques, two of the most promising approached are Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman. In fact Leading Department of Defense scientists and administrators have stated "LIBS plus Raman working in the UV holds the most promise" for solving the standoff Explosive Detection Problem. Alakai's approach is to combine these two orthogonal techniques, with a new proprietary LIBS enhancement technique called Townsend Effect Plasma Spectroscopy (TEPS), into a single system for ED.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA503633
Entities
People
- Alan Ford
- Edwin L. Dottery
- Jeremy Rose
- Robert D. Waterbury