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How does the U.S. military use LIBS technology to break new ground in hazardous materials detection?
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology is becoming a game changer for the U.S. military in detecting hazardous materials. The technology, which excites samples with high-energy laser pulses, can quickly and accurately identify chemical substances, especially in military applications where it is critical to identify explosives, chemical weapons and biological threats.
LIBS technology can identify multiple substances at a distance of hundreds of meters without contact, which is crucial in crisis management.
From 2000 to 2010, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) conducted extensive research on LIBS technology, focusing on the detection of hazardous materials. The technology shows potential for distance sensing, detection of explosive residue and identification of other hazardous materials. According to ARL research, LIBS can effectively distinguish between energetic and non-energetic materials.
During this period, the research institution also developed the high-resolution Guangwan Spectrometer, which can detect low concentrations of chemical elements, providing further sensitivity to the LIBS system. For example, the lab tested a portable LIBS system to detect lead in soil and paint and studied the spectral emissions of aluminum and aluminum oxides in different gas environments.
The development of LIBS technology not only improves the accuracy of material detection, but also greatly enhances flexibility in hazardous environments.
In the 2010s, the application exploration of LIBS has developed towards smaller and portable systems, which makes its application in various situations more practical. For example, research has begun to focus on industrial applications of LIBS, including detection of material mixing problems and analysis of metal cooling processes.
During this period, scientists conducted in-depth research on the application of short laser pulses in LIBS. Excitation with short pulses generates plasma in a more precise range and reduces the effects of continuous light, which allows for more accurate analysis of materials.
By using short pulses, LIBS has shown feasibility in high-density plasmas, greatly improving the sensor's recognition capabilities.
In addition, the potential of LIBS technology in food analysis is also actively explored. This technology is regarded as a rapid and minimally destructive food quality analysis tool that can conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of milk, bread and other foods, and detect possible adulteration issues.
With the continued development of LIBS technology, more innovative applications will undoubtedly be introduced in the future, especially in the field of hazardous materials detection. Under these changing needs, how does the U.S. military adopt effective technical responses to new challenges?
