Advances in quantum cascade lasers for security and crime-fighting

Erwan L. Normand; Robert J. Stokes; Kenneth Hay; Brian Foulger; Colin Lewis

doi:10.1117/12.871339

22 October 2010 Advances in quantum cascade lasers for security and crime-fighting

Erwan L. Normand, Robert J. Stokes, Kenneth Hay, Brian Foulger, Colin Lewis

Proceedings Volume 7838, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting VI and Optical Materials in Defence Systems Technology VII; 78380A (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.871339
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2010, Toulouse, France

Abstract

Advances in the application of Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) to trace gas detection will be presented. The solution is real time (~1 μsec per scan), is insensitive to turbulence and vibration, and performs multiple measurements in one sweep. The QCL provides a large dynamic range, which is a linear response from ppt to % level. The concentration can be derived with excellent immunity from cross interference. Point sensing sensors developed by Cascade for home made and commercial explosives operate by monitoring key constituents in real time and matching this to a spatial event (i.e. sniffer device placed close to an object or person walking through portal (overt or covert). Programmable signature detection capability allows for detection of multiple chemical compounds along the most likely array of explosive chemical formulation. The advantages of configuration as "point sensing" or "stand off" will be discussed. In addition to explosives this method is highly applicable to the detection of mobile drugs labs through volatile chemical release.

Citation Download Citation

Erwan L. Normand, Robert J. Stokes, Kenneth Hay, Brian Foulger, and Colin Lewis "Advances in quantum cascade lasers for security and crime-fighting", Proc. SPIE 7838, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting VI and Optical Materials in Defence Systems Technology VII, 78380A (22 October 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.871339

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