Mid infrared spectroscopy applications using quantum cascade lasers for the identification of microplastic contaminants in aqueous solution

H. Ted Stinson; Jason Sorger; Eric Takeuchi; Taylor Stathopoulos; Matthew Mitchell

doi:10.1117/12.3013909

10 June 2024 Mid infrared spectroscopy applications using quantum cascade lasers for the identification of microplastic contaminants in aqueous solution

H. Ted Stinson, Jason Sorger, Eric Takeuchi, Taylor Stathopoulos, Matthew Mitchell

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13026, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies XVI; 130260D (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3013909
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2024, National Harbor, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) provide a high-power, tunable source of coherent light at wavelengths from 3-12 microns. Light in this band excites vibrational modes of many molecules of interest across widely diverse fields of interest. Spectroscopic instruments using QCLs have the capability to make breakthrough observations across multiple disciplines. We discuss the technical capability of these laser sources as well as their instrumentalized imaging and liquid-phase detection systems. We review the recent applications of QCL-based spectroscopy using standalone compact laser sources, packaged liquid-phase spectrometers, and mid-IR microscopes. In particular, we focus on a recent application of QCL-based IR microscopes to quantify microplastics in water and identify the plastic type of each particle using hyperspectral imaging. We show that QCL-based IR hyperspectral imaging can detect particles <20 um in diameter and can differentiate between different plastic materials with high accuracy.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

H. Ted Stinson, Jason Sorger, Eric Takeuchi, Taylor Stathopoulos, and Matthew Mitchell "Mid infrared spectroscopy applications using quantum cascade lasers for the identification of microplastic contaminants in aqueous solution", Proc. SPIE 13026, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies XVI, 130260D (10 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3013909

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