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Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Explosive Compound Classes on a Single Instrument via Flow-Injection Analysis Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Summary

A flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry (FIA MSMS) method was developed for rapid quantitative analysis of 10 different inorganic and organic explosives. Performance is optimized by tailoring the ionization method (APCI/ESI), de-clustering potentials, and collision energies for each specific analyte. In doing so, a single instrument can be used to detect urea nitrate, potassium chlorate, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine, triacetone triperoxide, hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine, nitroglycerin, and octohy-dro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine with sensitivities all in the picogram per milliliter range. In conclusion, FIA APCI/ESI MSMS is a fast (<1 min/sample), sensitive (~pg/mL LOQ), and precise (intraday RSD < 10%) method for trace explosive detection that can play an important role in criminal and attributional forensics, counterterrorism, and environmental protection areas, and has the potential to augment or replace several of the existing explosive detection methods.
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Summary

A flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry (FIA MSMS) method was developed for rapid quantitative analysis of 10 different inorganic and organic explosives. Performance is optimized by tailoring the ionization method (APCI/ESI), de-clustering potentials, and collision energies for each specific analyte. In doing so, a single instrument can be used to...

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Raman Detection of a Single Airborne Aerosol Particles of Isovanillin(3.09 MB)

Summary

Raman spectroscopy of trapped single aerosol particles has been reported previously. However, detection of single aerosol particles via Raman spectroscopy in a flowing system has not been yet reported. In this paper, we describe the first detection of single 3 um flowing airborne aerosol particles flowing through a Raman system, which is a simplified version of the previously reported system with a 532-nm, 10W cw double-pass laser, 532-nm isolator, and double-sided collection optics. The current system has single-pass laser, no 532-nm isolator, and single-sided collection optics. Previous Raman detection of single aerosol particles has been made using trapped particles.
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Summary

Raman spectroscopy of trapped single aerosol particles has been reported previously. However, detection of single aerosol particles via Raman spectroscopy in a flowing system has not been yet reported. In this paper, we describe the first detection of single 3 um flowing airborne aerosol particles flowing through a Raman system...

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Trace aerosol detection and identification by dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy

Published in:
Opt. Express, Vol. 22, No. 25, 15 December 2014, pp. A1810-A1817.

Summary

Dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy (DPAS) is a high sensitivity technique for standoff detection of trace vapors. A field-portable DPAS system has potential as an early warning provider for gaseous-based chemical threats. For the first time, we utilize DPAS to successfully detect the presence of trace aerosols. Aerosol identification via long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectra is demonstrated. We estimate the sensitivity of our DPAS system to aerosols comprised of silica particles is comparable to that of SF6 gas based on a signal level per absorbance unit metric for the two materials. The implications of the measurements are discussed.
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Summary

Dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy (DPAS) is a high sensitivity technique for standoff detection of trace vapors. A field-portable DPAS system has potential as an early warning provider for gaseous-based chemical threats. For the first time, we utilize DPAS to successfully detect the presence of trace aerosols. Aerosol identification via long-wavelength infrared...

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High-sensitivity detection of trace gases using dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy

Published in:
Opt. Eng., Vol. 53 No. 2, February 2014, 021103.

Summary

Lincoln Laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a technique known as dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy (DPAS) that could enable remote detection of trace gases via a field-portable laser-based system. A fielded DPAS system has the potential to enable rapid, early warning of airborne chemical threats. DPAS is a new form of photoacoustic spectroscopy that relies on a laser beam swept at the speed of sound to amplify an otherwise weak photoacoustic signal. We experimentally determine the sensitivity of this technique using trace quantities of SF6 gas. A clutter-limited sensitivity of ~100 ppt is estimated for an integration path of 0.43 m. Additionally, detection at ranges over 5 m using two different detection modalities is demonstrated: a parabolic microphone and a laser vibrometer. Its utility in detecting ammonia emanating from solid samples in an ambient environment is also demonstrated.
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Summary

Lincoln Laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a technique known as dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy (DPAS) that could enable remote detection of trace gases via a field-portable laser-based system. A fielded DPAS system has the potential to enable rapid, early warning of airborne chemical threats. DPAS is a new...

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Dynamic photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas detection

Published in:
Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 101, No. 18, 29 October 2012, 184103.

Summary

We present a method of photoacoustic spectroscopy in which a laser beam tuned to an absorption feature of a gas is swept through its plume at the speed of sound. The resulting coherent addition of acoustic waves leads to an amplification of the signal without the need for a resonant chamber, thus enhancing the ability to remotely sense the gas. We demonstrate the concept using a tunable CO2 laser and SF6 gas in conjunction with a microphone. Sound pressure levels of 83 dB (relative to 20 uPa) are generated from a 15-ppm plume.
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Summary

We present a method of photoacoustic spectroscopy in which a laser beam tuned to an absorption feature of a gas is swept through its plume at the speed of sound. The resulting coherent addition of acoustic waves leads to an amplification of the signal without the need for a resonant...

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