Accession Number:

AD1013957

Title:

Characterization of a Field Portable Raman System for Rapid Chemical Identification

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences Bethesda United States

Personal Author(s):

• Catyb,Joseph L.

Report Date:

2007-05-31

Pagination or Media Count:

78.0

Abstract:

Raman spectroscopy is a technology that can be used to rapidly screen unknown chemical substances via direct reading instrumentation. This research focused on the performance of the FirstDefender, a field-portable Raman spectrometer with a 300 mW 785 nm diode laser and onboard spectral library, by analyzing liquid and solid substances under a variety of conditions. Sixty substances, known to be challenging for Raman spectroscopy, were analyzed in clear glass vials. Eighty-eight percent of substances in the spectral library were correctly or similarly matched with zero false positives. The majority of unmatched substances resulted from fluorescence of white powders. The identification of explosive materials, the effects of different sample containers, and the ability to analyze binary liquid mixtures were also tested. Clear, thin-walled containers did not interfere with the instrument identification accuracy. The importance of having a library with high quality spectra for maximizing instrument accuracy was noted throughout this instrument characterization process.

Descriptors:

• chemical warfare
• chemical warfare agents
• raman spectroscopy
• performance(engineering)
• portable equipment
• field equipment
• diode lasers
• explosives
• identification systems
• chemical detection

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE