Laser And Microwave Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Basis for a New Detection Technique for Chemical and Biological Agents

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown in air and solutions is a well-investigated phenomenon. The emission spectra are primarily atomic spectra of gases from air and volatilized metallic and other ions. Microwave-induced breakdown in solution has recently been observed. To accomplish the latter efficiently, a soluble organic semi-conductor must be added to solutions exposed to high power microwave pulses. When these same solutions were exposed to laser and microwave-induced breakdown conditions, peaks associated with atomic spectra and the organics were observed in both. However, some unique peaks were found in the microwave-induced breakdown. Therefore, cavitation generated by either laser or microwave pulses is anticipated to generate spectra analytical for specific chemical and biological agents.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA638510

Entities

People

  • B. Rockwell
  • D. Barrett Hardin
  • D. Eikum
  • G. Noojin
  • J. Alls
  • J. Kiel
  • Jim Williams
  • P. Morales
  • R. Seaman
  • R. Sutter
  • Rintu Thomas
  • S. Mathur

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Atomic Spectra
  • Biological Factors
  • Biological Warfare
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cavitation
  • Detection
  • Emission
  • Emission Spectra
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
  • Lasers
  • Optics
  • Pulsed Power
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy