STROBOSCOPIC LIBERATION AND METHODS OF USE
First Claim
1. A method for detecting a trace chemical from a sample surface, the method comprising:
- (a) pulsing a strobe directed at the sample surface, wherein the energy liberates the trace chemical from the sample surface;
(b) collecting the trace chemical in an airborne sample;
(c) causing a surface enhanced Raman scattering of the trace chemical; and
(d) detecting the trace chemical.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as explosives and/or drugs, using, in part, short bursts of energy light from a relatively low energy strobe. Embodiments include coupling the strobe with a detector for use in a portable hand-held unit, or a unit capable of being carried as a backpack. Embodiments further include placement of one or more stroboscopic desorption units and detectors in luggage conveyors systems, carry-on X-ray machines, and check-in counter locations. Embodiments further comprise the use of a strobe or another energy source to assist in maintaining the integrity of a SERS substrate surface operatively associated with the detector system, wherein the SERS substrate may be positioned in hand wand spaced apart from at least a portion of the detector. In another embodiment, the Raman excitation source may be located directly in the hand wand of a portable stroboscopic detection system.
114 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method for detecting a trace chemical from a sample surface, the method comprising:
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(a) pulsing a strobe directed at the sample surface, wherein the energy liberates the trace chemical from the sample surface;
(b) collecting the trace chemical in an airborne sample;
(c) causing a surface enhanced Raman scattering of the trace chemical; and
(d) detecting the trace chemical. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for detecting at least one chemical located on a sample surface, the system comprising:
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(a) a first strobe for imparting an energy to the sample surface, wherein said energy liberates the at least one chemical from the sample surface; and
(b) a SERS substrate operable to adsorb the at least one chemical liberated from the sample surface; and
(c) a detector operable to detect the at least one chemical, the detector in operative communication with the SERS substrate. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A system for detecting at least one chemical located on a sample surface, the system comprising:
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(a) a SERS substrate operable to adsorb the at least one chemical;
(b) a Raman excitation source for providing an excitation of the SERS substrate;
(c) a detector operable to detect the at least one chemical, the detector in operative communication with the SERS substrate;
wherein said SERS substrate and said Raman excitation source are spaced apart from the detector. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification