Posted in | News | Light / Image Sensor

Two-Laser System Using Photothermal Spectroscopy Determines Composition of Chemicals

Researchers at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a two-laser system that will enable scientists to identify biological and chemical agents from a distance.

Two Laser System with Photothermal Spectroscopy

The researchers from the University of Alberta, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have authored the paper “Pump-probe photothermal spectroscopy using quantum cascade lasers” which has been published in the Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics.

The researchers have detailed the process wherein a quantum cascade laser has been used to strike or pump a target while a second laser was used to monitor the thermal response of the material. The photothermal measurements derived using the pump-probe photothermal spectroscopy allows for rapid evaluation of compounds such as organophosphate pesticide, polystyrene and cellulose.

A researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Nanoscale Science and Devices division, Dr. Ali Passian stated that the approach used by the scientists enables the second probe laser to extract information that allows the researchers to determine the composition of the chemicals. The second laser provides a stable and robust readout approach which is independent of the settings of the first pump laser.

A return signal carries data of the molecules that need to be determined. The approach, although comparable to LiDAR and radar sensing techniques, is different in certain ways. Dr. Passian explained that the photothermal spectroscopy configuration ensures that the probe and pump beans are almost parallel. In the technique employed by the scientists, beam reflectometry is used as the return signal which minimizes the dependency on wavelength-dependent IR-based telescopes, detectors and cameras.

The two-laser system can be applied to develop potential applications for the military, forensics, medicine, quality control and airport security.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Choi, Andy. (2019, February 24). Two-Laser System Using Photothermal Spectroscopy Determines Composition of Chemicals. AZoSensors. Retrieved on December 04, 2024 from https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=3992.

  • MLA

    Choi, Andy. "Two-Laser System Using Photothermal Spectroscopy Determines Composition of Chemicals". AZoSensors. 04 December 2024. <https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=3992>.

  • Chicago

    Choi, Andy. "Two-Laser System Using Photothermal Spectroscopy Determines Composition of Chemicals". AZoSensors. https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=3992. (accessed December 04, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Choi, Andy. 2019. Two-Laser System Using Photothermal Spectroscopy Determines Composition of Chemicals. AZoSensors, viewed 04 December 2024, https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=3992.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.