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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Field Identification of Matricaria chamomilla using a Portable qPCR System
Published on: October 10, 2020
Portable standoff spectrometer for hazard identification using integrated quantum cascade laser arrays from 6.5 to 11
Abstract:
This article presents new spectroscopic results in standoff chemical detection that are enabled by monolithic arrays of Distributed Feedback (DFB) Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs), with each array element at a slightly different wavelength than its neighbor. The standoff analysis of analyte/substrate pairs requires a laser source with characteristics offered uniquely by a QCL Array. This is particularly true for time-evolving liquid chemical warfare agent (CWA) analysis. In addition to describing the QCL array source developed for long wave infrared coverage, a description of an integrated prototype standoff detection system is provided. Experimental standoff detection results using the man-portable system for droplet examination from 1.3 meters are presented using the CWAs VX and T-mustard as test cases. Finally, we consider three significant challenges to working with droplets and liquid films in standoff spectroscopy: substrate uptake of the analyte, time-dependent droplet spread of the analyte, and variable substrate contributions to retrieved signals.
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