Laser-based optical techniques for the detection of chemical agents

Abstract

Among numerous existing and developing techniques for the detection of air pollution, laser-based optical methods (LBM) are possibly the most promising ones. Unique sensing capabilities of LBM include high speed of analysis, high selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy, low detection limits, and remote detection. This paper gives a brief review of several laser-based systems for optical sensing of gas-phase chemical agents: laser intra-cavity, photoacoustic and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and remote sensing based on differential absorption. For each method, a brief description of the principles of operation is given, and its analytical capabilities are outlined.