Accession Number:

ADA370986

Title:

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Real-Time Detection of Halon Alternative Agents

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jan 97-May 98

Corporate Author:

ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD

Personal Author(s):

• Williamson, Cynthia K.
• Daniel, Robert G.
• McNesby, Kevin L.
• Miziolek, Andrzej W.

Report Date:

1999-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

35.0

Abstract:

We report results of an evaluation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS for the detection of candidate halon replacement compounds CF4, CF3H, CF2H2, and C2F3H. The fundamental 1.064 micrometers from a NdYAG Q-switched pulsed laser was focused into an air flow containing 0.0005-5 of the analyte halocarbon compounds. The laser-produced plasma emission consists of a large number of intense fluorine atom lines in the 600-850-nm spectral range. Limit-of-detection studies indicate that LIBS can detect these compounds in the parts-per-million range. Also, we have recorded single-shot LIBS spectra with good SN using an intensified photodiode array. Our results indicate that LIBS is a promising detection technique for in-situ and real time measurement of halons during use in full-scale fire-suppression testing.

Descriptors:

• *DETECTION
• *FLUORINATED HYDROCARBONS
• *LASER PRODUCED PLASMAS
• REAL TIME
• SPECTROSCOPY
• WEAPON SYSTEMS
• FIRE SUPPRESSION
• FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
• HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS
• PHOTODIODES
• CHLORINE
• BROMINE
• OZONE DEPLETION

Subject Categories:

• Organic Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE