Simultaneous real-time spectroscopy using a broadband IR laser source

In this study, we have developed a simultaneous grating spectroscopy using a broadband IR laser source capable of detecting moving targets in real time. The broadband IR laser source operated in pulsed mode provides a broad spectral range, which covers absorption bands of many chemical analytes. The laser operating conditions were optimized to cover the broadest wavelength range spanning spectral features for the analytes of interest, based on a detailed understanding of the broadband source. This measured the signal from two samples, a 1% acetaminophen KBr pellet sample and toluene in a gas cell. These samples were characterized by illuminating them with the IR broadband source and collecting the transmitted or reflected signal through a grating spectrometer and onto an IR focal plane array (FPA). The results clearly show discrete peaks comparable to the FTIR reference spectra and the spectral features of the samples were successfully discriminated. We believe that the proof of concepts presented here are of broad applicability and will aid advanced real-time standoff detection research.