Application of advanced optical methods for classification of air contaminants

Abstract

Biochemical, highly sensitive methods of pollutant identification have common drawbacks - relatively long analysis time and the necessity of on-site sample collection. Optical methods are less sensitive and less selective, but they allow real time analysis. These optical methods include Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF). Both methods give the possibility of stand-off detection. The aim of the presented work is to study the possibilities of detection and classification of air contaminants, based on their optical properties. In this work we present measurement results of UV-VIS fluorescence characteristics and IR optical absorption of vegetable pollens, bacterial spores, and non-biological air contaminants (diesel fuel, dust, syloid). Results of the principal components analysis show that both LIF and FTIR methods allow distinguishing between groups of materials, i.e. pollens and nonbiological materials, thus making application of these methods for detection and preliminary classification possible. © 2009 WIT Press.