Sensors & Electronics
Physical Property Sensor
Measurement of Low Optical Absorptions (328)
Problem: Need high sensitivity measurements of low optical absorbances for analyte detection in liquid and solid samples
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Mechanisms through Sensors and Devices
PNNL Solution:
- Low absorptance values can be measured using photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) [detection limits 10 to 1000 times more sensitive than conventional absorption spectroscopy]
- Successfully applied to liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous) and solid samples for biological and chemical detection
- Suitable for infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectral measurements
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis-IR); optical sources for sample examination including FTIR spectrometers, lasers, Xe lamps, laser diodes; photoacoustic cell design and fabrication; development and use of laboratory PAS measurement systems for application studies; development of signal processing, experimental control, and data acquisition hardware and software; data analysis to obtain key chemical and biological information; reporting of findings (including numerous open literature publications).
Selected Links to Related Information:
- Similar Technology Examples (Same or Different Application)
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Contact: Nancy Foster-Mills
