Project Title:
Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols with 0.3 Micrometer Spatial Resolution
08.12-7847
Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols with 0.3 Micrometer Spatial Resolution
ST&E Technical Services Inc.
1214 Concannon Blvd.
Livermore
CA
94583
Klainer
Stanley M.
NAS1-18253
Amount:
LaRC
NAS1-17943
Abstract:
Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique that performsmolecular identification and characterization by the analysis of inelastically scattered
laser light. Commercial Raman instruments are available that can analyze individual
micro-
particles in the 1 micrometer ranges with difficulty. NASA, however, has identified
a problem area that requires molecular analysis of particles under 1 micrometer in
diameter. In Phase I the application of micro-Raman analysis to the NASA problem
area was established. The applicability of existing commercial and custom micro-Raman
to solve this problem was evaluated. These spectrometers were shown to have sensitivity
to selected particles no smaller than 1 micrometer in diameter and their potential
as a micro-particle analyzer was rejected. A first principal calculation was performed
on the feasibility of micro-Raman analysis of a representative 0.3-micrometer-diameter
particle. The results indicated that with spectroscopic innovation, a new-
generation, user friendly, automatic micro-Raman spectrometer with routine sensitivity
to 0.3 micrometer could be built. A preliminary design of this instrument is presented
in the Phase I final report.
In Phase II, the research and development to complete design, construction, and delivery
to NASA of a prototype of this new-
generation micro-Raman spectrometer is discussed. In addition, this spectrometer
will be used to generate a partial library of micro-Raman spectra using selected
particles in the 0.3 to 1.0 micrometer range. Analysis will also be performed on
particles provided by NASA.