Oh this was one of the applications I saw at a demonstration I attended. Hey diddy, do you think this could be used for homeland security? Oh and crow, here is that rinky dink law firm representing cdex again:
Abstract
The invention provides a system and method utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine species and concentration of gases, solids and liquids from a substantial standoff distance. Target materials under investigation may include explosives, drugs, bio-aerosols, and controlled substances such as narcotics. The basic measuring system comprises optics, a spectrograph, a detector, and an energy source ("head" components), along with a computer and control electronics and power source.
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Inventors: Poteet, Wade Martin; (Tucson, AZ) ; Cauthen, Harold K.; (Sonoita, AZ) ; Shriver, Timothy D.; (Vail, AZ)
Correspondence Name and Address: HOGAN & HARTSON LLP
IP GROUP, COLUMBIA SQUARE
555 THIRTEENTH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
Assignee Name and Adress: CDEX, INC.
Serial No.: 717921
Series Code: 10
Filed: November 21, 2003
FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a long distance UV absorption detection system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention suitable for detecting substances at standoff distances from a few centimeters to several kilometers. FIG. 1 shows the UV fluorescence detection system 100 configured for detection of controlled and other dangerous substances whose residues are either on the surfaces of containers, suitcases, shoes, and removable clothing or in vapor form in the surrounding air. The system is preferably contained in a light-tight enclosure to minimize interference from unwanted extraneous light sources during the measurement and detection process.
[0064] The invention can be configured in a variety of different ways including, but not limited to, a large distance standoff embodiment, a handheld scanner embodiment as well as vehicle/mobile mounted embodiments and fixed-mounted embodiments. In particular, the disclosed embodiments include a low-power system of high reliability that is capable of operating at large, safe standoff distances from suspected dangerous materials without the disadvantages of a large energy source, predictive analysis system or high power consumption. For relatively short distances (e.g. 1-10 cm), laser diodes or LEDs of sufficient power output can be effectively utilized as power sources. For longer distances (up to several kilometers), a tunable pulsed laser with an appropriate beam expander can be used as the source of UV photons to excite materials of interest. Unattended operation is possible and rapid response time provides identification of suspect substances more quickly than other approaches. Likewise, the disclosed embodiments include a small hand-held system that provides convenient, highly accurate sample detection with very low energy demands.
0066] It is further envisioned that use of higher source power and/or larger collecting optics would increase the operational range (e.g. up to approximately 2.2 kilometers using a 1.4 meter diameter F/2 collecting optic (e.g. mirror) and a 250 millijoule laser source) while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy. As improved components become available, these ranges may be extended and/or sample detection and analysis times may be reduced.
