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Particle identification by laser-induced incandescence in a solid-state laser cavity
Michelle Stephens1, Nelson Turner, Jon Sandberg
1Research Electro-Optics, 5505 Airport Boulevard, Boulder, Colorado 80301, USA. mstephen@ball.com
Applied Optics
|July 19, 2003
Summary
Simultaneous detection of laser-induced incandescence and elastic scattering reveals particle size and composition. This method determines particle boiling points for identification, applicable to aerosols and elements like tungsten and silicon.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Laser Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Characterizing unknown particles requires simultaneous size and composition analysis.
- Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or specificity for diverse particle types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel technique for simultaneous particle size and composition determination.
- To leverage laser-induced incandescence and elastic scattering for particle analysis.
Main Methods:
- Directing particles through a high-intensity Nd:YAG laser cavity (approx. 10^6 W/cm^2).
- Simultaneously detecting laser-induced incandescence (LII) and elastic scattering signals.
- Analyzing LII for boiling point determination and elastic scattering for size and vaporization confirmation.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully determined the size and composition of various particles.
- Boiling point determination from LII provided composition information.
- Elastic scattering confirmed particle vaporization and provided size data.
Conclusions:
- This dual-signal laser-based technique offers a robust method for identifying particle size and composition.
- The approach is effective for analyzing diverse materials, including elemental samples and aerosols like soot.