Ultra-Fast Infrared Spectroscopy Using a Focal Plane Array for the Real Time Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents

University Of Delaware, Newark DE

Investigators

Abstract

Professor John Rabolt of the University of Delaware and Dr. Bruce Chase of Dupont Corporation are supported by an SGER grant from the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to develop an infrared focal plane array spectrometer for the real-time detection of chemical and biological agents in gases. The method eliminates some of the problems of FTIR spectroscopy including hygroscopic optics and sensitivity to alignment due to moving parts. The proposed spectrometer, already demonstrated in the 34000 to 2000 cm-1 region, utilizes reflection optics and dispersal and array detection so that there are no moving parts. The team will extend operation to the IR fingerprint region so that more chemical specificity can be obtained. The rugged instrument can sample in real time and would have applications in national security, environmental and industrial process monitoring.