System and method for high sensitivity optical detection of gases
US7502115B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/1293
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus architecture for detecting gases, particularly hazardous gases which should be detected in miniscule amounts. High sensitivity detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is set forth with very low probability of false positives (PFP) by the use of an innovative laser-photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Detection of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), a decomposition product of Sarin and a relatively harmless surrogate for the nerve gases, is made in the presence of other gases that are expected to be interferences in an urban setting. Detection sensitivity for DIMP in the presence of these interferences of better than 0.45 ppb, which satisfies current homeland and military security requirements is shown as well as the first analysis of optical techniques for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in real world conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.