Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for field detection of threat materials

Erik D. Emmons; Phillip G. Wilcox; Erik S. Roese; Ashish Tripathi; Jason A. Guicheteau; Kevin C. Hung; Benjamin L. Miller; Ethan P. Luta; Matthew Z. Yates; Nathan F. Tyndall; Todd H. Stievater

doi:10.1117/12.2610654

5 March 2022 Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for field detection of threat materials

Erik D. Emmons, Phillip G. Wilcox, Erik S. Roese, Ashish Tripathi, Jason A. Guicheteau, Kevin C. Hung, Benjamin L. Miller, Ethan P. Luta, Matthew Z. Yates, Nathan F. Tyndall, Todd H. Stievater

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12004, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies XXVI; 120040L (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2610654
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2022, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Detection of threat materials is an important capability for the military and homeland security to protect soldiers and civilians. Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (WERS), a photonic integrated circuit sensing methodology, is being developed for field detection of materials related to chemical warfare agents, explosives, and narcotic threats. Low-fluorescence silicon nitride spiral waveguides with long path lengths are used to obtain high signal levels with nearinfrared excitation (785 nm and 1064 nm). Compact single-mode-fiber-coupled spectrometers with high sensitivity are being utilized for detection of the Raman scattered light. Thermoelectrically cooled charged coupled device (CCD) or InGaAs detectors (-15 °C) provide for low-noise and high-quantum-efficiency spectral measurement. Performance comparable to that obtained with large benchtop spectrometers is observed. The spiral waveguides are coated with functionalized polymer sorbents suitable for concentrating relevant classes of threat materials in the evanescent field of the waveguide. The sorbents are deposited using piezoelectric microdispensers to allow for controlled deposition of thin films without the need for spin-coating. Raman chemical imaging microscopy is used to characterize the uniformity of the sorbent polymers on the waveguides. Library spectral matching can be used in combination with the selectivity of the sorbent materials to provide discrimination of the materials absorbed by the polymer coatings. The ultimate objective is development of a prototype handheld WERS sensor system suitable for defense and security applications in the field. WERS development and spectral measurements will be presented.

Conference Presentation

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Erik D. Emmons, Phillip G. Wilcox, Erik S. Roese, Ashish Tripathi, Jason A. Guicheteau, Kevin C. Hung, Benjamin L. Miller, Ethan P. Luta, Matthew Z. Yates, Nathan F. Tyndall, and Todd H. Stievater "Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for field detection of threat materials", Proc. SPIE 12004, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies XXVI, 120040L (5 March 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2610654

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