Portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Sensor for Detection of Biological Agents

This project concerns the development of a biothreat detector which utilizes laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Innovations include use of a very high frequency (2 kHz) pulsed laser and a reduced pressure inlet, both of which are required todetect and identify single particles. This ability to detect single particles allows for the detection of biothreat agents at 1 part per liter concentration, even in an urban environment where ambient particle concentrations in the 3-8 micron size rangeappropriate to biothreats are typically 3-4 orders of magnitude higher.Aerodyne Research intends to incorporate much of the technology developed here into its commercial line of aerosol mass spectrometers(AMS). We expect that the improved AMS monitorswill find a significant market in combustion emission monitoring and PM2.5 ambient monitoring. A signficant market in mobile biothreat detectors is also anticipated.