Trace Species Detection Using Jet-REMPI

SRI is developing an advanced vapor detection instrument based on the combination of a supersonic, jet-cooled, molecular beam with resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and mass spectrometry. This instrument can detect and identify chemical vapors in the low parts-per-trillion range, using molecule-specific laser ionization to provide extremely high specificity and sensitivity. We have assembled a working instrument and are developing and testing many innovative improvements to substantially increase the performance of the system.

Jet-REMPI can be applied to many chemical sensing problems, including the rapid detection and identification of explosive materials for security screening of personnel, hand-carried baggage, checked baggage, vehicles, and cargo containers; confirmation of presence and type of buried explosives, including landmines and unexploded ordnance; rapid screening for chemical warfare agents and their precursors at security checkpoints, for international treaty verification and monitoring and for counter terrorism applications; measurements of hazardous air pollutants in urban environments; determination of very low levels of residual insecticides, herbicides, and toxic substances in soil, water, and agricultural products; monitoring demilitarization activities; cw agents and their precursors; unexploded ordnance; improvised explosive devices; narcotics, and other contraband; environmental regulatory and compliance monitoring; and dioxin and furan emissions from incinerators.

The current development efforts are designed to provide both increased sensitivity and chemical discrimination, as well as improved reliability for field applications.

Visit the Laboratory - Molecular Physics Laboratory

Technical Contact:
Michael J. Coggiola
(650) 859-3045
michael.coggiola@sri.com