SYMPOSIA PAPER
Published:
01 January 1980
STP27567S
Laser Techniques for Analysis of Ambient Air
SourceLaser techniques based on Raman scattering, absorption, and fluorescence have been used successfully in analyzing ambient air samples, as well as in probing plumes remotely. The sensitivity limits have ranged from 1 ppm to 0.02 ppb for air samples and down to 50 ppb for probing at a distance of 1 km in the lower portion of the atmosphere. When the appropriate lasers are available, long-path infrared (IR) absorption with wavelength modulation is the most sensitive technique, but fluorescence detection is often simpler. Of the newer techniques under investigation, multiphoton photoionization should have the potential for the lowest detection limits—one molecule in the laser beam or 103 to 104 molecules/cm3.
Author Information
Gelbwachs, JA
the Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, Calif.
Jones, PF
the Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, Calif.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D22
Pages: 139–155
DOI: 10.1520/STP27567S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4789-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0604-8