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Laser-induced fluorescence-cued, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy biological-agent detection
John D Hybl1, Shane M Tysk, Shaun R Berry
1MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420-9108, USA. jhybl@ll.mit.edu
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can improve biological warfare agent detection by adding discrimination capabilities to fluorescence sensors. However, LIBS signatures are affected by washing, potentially limiting its specificity.
Area of Science:
- Aerosol science
- Spectroscopy
- Biodefense
Background:
- Accurate aerosol characterization is crucial for detecting biological warfare agents.
- Current fluorescence-based sensors offer sensitivity but have high false-alarm rates.
- Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with fluorescence shows promise for improved discrimination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of LIBS for biological agent detection.
- To assess the potential of LIBS to reduce false-alarm rates in aerosol detection.
- To investigate the impact of sample preparation on LIBS signatures.
Main Methods:
- Development of a transportable UV laser-induced fluorescence-cued LIBS test bed.
- Single-particle fluorescence analysis.
- Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of biological agent simulants.
Main Results:
- LIBS provides additional discrimination capability when combined with fluorescence-based detectors.
- LIBS signatures of biological agent simulants were observed to be affected by washing.
- The study confirmed the potential of LIBS for enhancing biological agent detection.
Conclusions:
- LIBS enhances the discrimination of fluorescence-based biological agent detectors.
- Sample washing can alter LIBS signatures, potentially impacting the specificity and applicability of LIBS for biological agent detection.
- Further research is needed to address the effect of sample preparation on LIBS performance.
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