Portable SERS Spectrometer for PCB Analysis

A portable PCB detection and quantification system is proposed based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The system comprises a SERS sensor head and fiber optics interfaced to a commercially available PDA or handheld computer. Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering is capable of detecting molecules at the parts per trillion level and is well-suited to meet the 50 ppm threshold for PCB detection. Since every molecule and isomer has a unique Raman spectrum, it will be possible to determine the composition of PCB mixtures with high accuracy. The phase I program will construct a prototype system using off-the-shelf components and custom analysis software to evaluate the ability of a portable fiber optic system to meet the detection needs of Navy salvage operations. Phase II will refine the prototype system of phase I by upgrading the detection and analysis components and construct a field deployable test system.