Ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy for remote detection of chlorine gas

Abstract

As a primary material frequently used in industry, chlorine is relatively easy to obtain and available even in large quantities. Despite its high toxicity, molecular chlorine is readily available since it is an essential educt in the chemical industry. Over the past decades, numerous accidents involving injured and dead victims have occurred. Furthermore, it was already misused as a warfare agent at the beginning of the last century with still reported attacks. Early detection, localization, and monitoring of sources and cloud movements are essential for protecting stationary facilities, mobile operations, and the public. In contrast to most chemical hazardous materials, where it is possible to detect them by vibrational spectroscopic methods (e.g., passive hyper-spectral absorption technologies in the infrared), halogens are inactive to infrared absorption. Raman-based technologies rely on changes in the polarizability of the molecule and provide vibrational-spectroscopic access to such diatomic molecules and therefore close the gap in infrared detection capabilities. Here we present a straightforward approach for a standoff Raman detector in a backscattering configuration. This paper uses a simplified model to discuss optimum excitation wavelengths in achievable detection ranges. We validate the model by spontaneous (vibrational) Raman spectroscopic measurements between 20 and 60 m standoff distance. We also briefly discuss detection performances and technical and physical aspects as prospects of system design.