Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Vaporization Detection of Energetic Compounds
Abstract
We propose to explore the use of non-resonant USPL vaporization as a means to increase the concentration of low-vapor pressure species in the gas phase above a surface to facilitate detection by coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) or ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Raman spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry are mature technologies that have been widely used for detection and analysis of high explosives and improvised explosive devices. Raman spectroscopy has been implemented for surface analysis but detection of explosive signatures in the gas phase is compounded by the low vapor pressure of most explosive compounds, generally prohibiting its use for detection of buried or otherwise covered devices. Ion mobility spectroscopy is a mature, fielded technology that has been used widely to assist in the identification of signatures of explosives. Objectives: (1) Investigate the use of coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) to detect explosive signature material vaporized with an ultrashort pulsed laser from steel, ceramic, and plastic surfaces, as well as from sand and soil samples. (2) Integrate ultrashort pulsed laser vaporization with ion mobility spectrometry for standoff detection. (3) Investigate the vaporization and detection of explosive signatures using a high repetition rate fiber laser system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012047
Entities
People
- Robert J Levis
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Temple University
- United States Navy