Single-shot fluorescence spectra of individual micrometer-sized bioaerosols illuminated by a 351- or a 266-nm ultraviolet laser.
Reproducible fluorescence spectra of individual 2- to 5-microm -diameter biological aerosol particles excited with a single shot from a Q -switched laser (266 or 351 nm) have been obtained with highly improved signal-to-noise ratios. Critical to the advance are crossed diode-laser trigger beams, which precisely define the sample volume, and a reflecting objective, which minimizes chromatic aberration and has a large N.A. for collecting fluorescence. Several allergens (red oak, meadow oat pollen, paper mulberry pollen, and puffball spores) have different fluorescence spectra. Bacillus subtilis fluorescence spectrum deteriorates at high 266-nm incident intensity. Dry riboflavin particles illuminated with a 351-nm light exhibit a new 420-nm fluorescence peak that grows nonlinearly with laser pulse energy.
Pan
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Holler
S
S
Chang
R K
RK
Hill
S C
SC
Pinnick
R G
RG
Niles
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Bottiger
J R
JR