Standoff detection using coherent backscattered spectroscopy

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2007-04-26

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Alexander W. Schill, Alexander W. Schill, Bradley R. Arnold, Bradley R. Arnold, Lisa A. Kelly, Lisa A. Kelly, Paul M. Pellegrino, Paul M. Pellegrino, "Standoff detection using coherent backscattered spectroscopy", Proc. SPIE 6554, Chemical and Biological Sensing VIII, 65540G (26 April 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.722309; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722309

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Abstract

Intense laser pulses may be used for standoff detection of energetic materials. Coherent backscattered spectroscopy offers a tremendous advantage over other spectroscopic detection techniques in that it uses stimulated or amplified spontaneous emission from the sample to produce a minimally divergent, directional beam back to the detection platform. The characteristics of the backscattered beam depend largely on the intensity and pulse width of the laser source as well as the concentration and photo-physical characteristics of the target molecule. Different target molecules will exhibit different backscattered emission signals, allowing differential detection of energetic materials in the vapor phase. Because of the highly directional nature of the coherent backscattered beam, detection limits in the vapor of less than 1 ppm at ranges up to 100 meters can be anticipated.