title: Quantum cascade laser based standoff photoacoustic chemical detection.
abstract: Standoff chemical detection with a distance of more than 41 feet using photoacoustic effect and quantum cascade laser (QCL) operated at relatively low power, less than 40 mW, is demonstrated for the first time. The option of using QCL provides the advantages of easy tuning and modulation besides the benefit of compact size, light weight and low power consumption. The standoff detection signal can be calibrated as a function of different parameters such as laser pulse energy, gas vapor concentration and detection distance. The results yield good agreements with theoretical model. Techniques to obtain even longer detection distance and achieve outdoor operations are in the process of implementation and their projection is discussed.
authors: Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA. chxing1@umbc.edu
authors: Xing
authors: X
authors: Chen
authors: Liwei
authors: L
authors: Cheng
authors: Dingkai
authors: D
authors: Guo
authors: Yordan
authors: Y
authors: Kostov
authors: Fow-Sen
authors: FS
authors: Choa
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics / Q000295:instrumentation; D000465:Algorithms; D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D004867:Equipment Design; D005740:Gases; D007834:Lasers; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008027:Light; D017785:Photons; D012666:Semiconductors; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000379:methods; D013696:Temperature; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D005740:Gases