Sensors & Electronics
Chemical Sensors
Laser Based Chemical Sensors (7)
Problem: Need field portable, optical instruments to provide sensitive detection of key elemental and molecular species
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Mechanisms through Instruments
PNNL Solution:
1) Developed narrow bandwidth, wavelength modulated laser diode sources to detect molecular vapors in real time at ppb detection levels.
2) Developed dual wavelength laser-diode-based instrument to determine isotopic abundance of 235U/238U in a laser ablation plume.
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Identification of exploitable optical detection mechanisms for chemical target (e.g., absorption, line specific electronic excitation, fluorescence emission, etc.); development of detection scenario; laboratory proof of concept experiments; optical system design and development for practical instrument; electronic system design and development for instrument (including controls, data acquisition, data analysis, and user interface); operating software development; design and development of mechanical system including mounting hardware and housing; system integration, testing, and performance validation; design, operation, and performance documentation.
Selected Links to Related Information:
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Contact: Jim Kelly
