Standoff detection of chemical plumes from high explosive open detonations using a swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser

Mark C. Phillips, Sivanandan S. Harilal, Jeremy Yeak, R. Jason Jones, Sonia Wharton, Bruce E. Bernacki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

A swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser (ECQCL) is used to perform standoff detection of combustion gases in a plume generated from an outdoor high-explosive (HE) open detonation. The swept-ECQCL system was located at a standoff distance of 830 m from a 41 kg charge of LX-14 (polymer-bonded high explosive) and was used to measure the infrared transmission/absorption through the post-detonation plume as it propagated through the beam path. The swept-ECQCL was operated continuously to record broadband absorption spectra at a 200 Hz rate over a spectral range from 2050 to 2230 cm-1 (4.48-4.88 μm). Fitting of measured spectra was used to determine time-resolved column densities of CO, CO2, H2O, and N2O. Analysis of visible video imagery was used to provide timing correlations and to estimate plume dimensions, from which gas mixing ratios were estimated. Measured emission factors and modified combustion efficiency show good agreement with previously reported values.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number163103
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume128
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 28 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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