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Remote photoacoustic detection of liquid contamination of a surface

Perrett, B; Harris, M; Pearson, GN; Willetts, DV; Pitter, MC

Authors

B Perrett

M Harris

GN Pearson

DV Willetts

MC Pitter



Abstract

A method for the remote detection and identification of liquid chemicals at ranges of tens of meters is presented. The technique uses pulsed indirect photoacoustic spectroscopy in the 10-μm wavelength region. Enhanced sensitivity is brought about by three main system developments: (1) increased laser-pulse energy (150 μJ/pulse), leading to increased strength of the generated photoacoustic signal; (2) increased microphone sensitivity and improved directionality by the use of a 60-cm-diameter parabolic dish; and (3) signal processing that allows improved discrimination of the signal from noise levels through prior knowledge of the pulse shape and pulse-repetition frequency. The practical aspects of applying the technique in a field environment are briefly examined, and possible applications of this technique are discussed.

Citation

Perrett, B., Harris, M., Pearson, G., Willetts, D., & Pitter, M. (2003). Remote photoacoustic detection of liquid contamination of a surface. Applied Optics, 42(24), 4901-4908. https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.42.004901

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Aug 20, 2003
Deposit Date Oct 9, 2007
Journal Applied Optics
Print ISSN 1559-128X
Publisher Optical Society of America
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 42
Issue 24
Pages 4901-4908
DOI https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.42.004901
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.42.004901


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