A Two Components Approach for Long Range Remote Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown (LIBS) Spectroscopy Using Low Laser Pulse Energy. Issue 3 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Misra, Anupam K.; Acosta-Maeda, Tayro E.; Porter, John N.; Berlanga, Genesis; Muchow, Dalton; Sharma, Shiv K.; Chee, Brian
• Is Part Of: Applied spectroscopy. Volume 73:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 320
• Page End: 328
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy -- LIBS -- Raman -- time-resolved -- remote detection; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 543.505
• DOI: 10.1177/0003702818812144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-7028

Abstract

The remote detection of chemicals using remote Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is highly desirable for homeland security and NASA planetary exploration programs. We recently demonstrated Raman spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio of various materials from a 430 m distance during daylight with detection times of 1–10 s, utilizing a 203 mm diameter telescopic remote Raman system and 100 mJ/pulse laser energy at 532 nm for excitation. In this research effort, we describe a simple two-components approach that helps to obtain remote Raman and LIBS spectra of targets at distance of 246 m with 3 mJ/pulse in daytime. The two components of the method are: (1) a small spectroscopy system utilizing 76 mm diameter collection optics; and (2) a small remote lens near the target. Remote Raman spectra of various chemicals are presented here with detection time of 1 s. Remote LIBS spectra of minerals using single laser pulse of 3 mJ/pulse energy from a distance of 246 m are also presented. This research work demonstrates a simple approach that significantly improves remote Raman and LIBS capabilities for long range chemical detection with compact low laser power Raman and LIBS systems.