Nonlinear Laser Wave Mixing for Trace Detection of Explosives

Audentia, Inc., proposes to develop and demonstrate a sensitive nonlinear laser wave mixing-based detector that offers standoff detection of explosive chemicals in their native states at ambient temperature and pressure using a compact rugged solid-state laser-based design. The wave-mixing signal is a coherent laser-like beam, and hence, it offers a standoff detection distance that is longer than those of other detectors. Taking advantage of high spectral resolution available, the proposed detector is expected to offer high chemical specificity levels and low false alarm rates. Our patented laser wave-mixing methods allow efficient use of low laser power levels (e.g., 0.01 W) and we have collected promising preliminary results for complex biomedical samples using different fixed and tunable lasers from VUV, visible, near IR to mid-IR (quantum cascade laser) wavelengths. We will demonstrate unique advantages of laser wave mixing including excellent detection sensitivity levels and standoff capability for real-time nondestructive detection of chemicals in their native forms without the use of tags/labels or time-consuming sample preparation steps. Our partner, Distinguished Professor Bill Tong, has more than 30 years of nonlinear laser spectroscopy experience and has published 30 papers on laser wave mixing alone.