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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Extreme Nanowires and Other 1D Systems
Published on: April 28, 2016
Ultraviolet Raman spectra and cross-sections of the G-series nerve agents
Steven D Christesen1, Jay Pendell Jones, Joseph M Lochner
1US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, APG-EA, Maryland 21010-5424, USA. steven.christesen@us.army.mil
Abstract:
Ultraviolet (UV) Raman spectroscopy is being applied to the detection of chemical agent contamination of natural and man-made surfaces. In support of these efforts, we have measured the UV Raman signatures of the G-series nerve agents GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman), GF (cyclosarin), and the agent simulant diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) at 248 nm and 262 nm, as well as taking their UV Raman and UV absorption cross-sections. Of these chemicals, only GA exhibits any significant pre-resonance enhancement. We also show that reduction of the excitation wavelength from 262 nm to 248 nm effectively shifts the Raman spectrum away from a substantial sample fluorescence background, implying a significant improvement in detection capability.
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