Optics
The ability to detect minute concentrations of certain chemicals and biological materials in environmental samples is critical to our nation's ability to identify national security threats. The optics and infrared sensing team at PNNL develops sensor systems for detecting chemical and biological compounds — substances that could be used to make chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. These same capabilities are being applied to industry for monitoring pollution and monitoring food and water supplies. PNNL's optics developments are also improving medical imaging and diagnostics.
For more than 40 years, PNNL has provided solutions to clients in the following areas:
- Optical system development, including integrated optics, fiber optics and electro-optics.
- Laser physics and engineering.
- Laser-based sensing and inspection.
- Field portable instrumentation.
- Advanced chemical, biological and nuclear sensing systems.
PNNL Development: Remote Sensors Detect Gases Miles Away
PNNL expert scientists and engineers are developing remote sensing systems designed to detect trace gases in the atmosphere from distances ranging from a few hundred yards to more than six miles. These remote sensors can detect chemical emissions associated with the production of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Frequency modulated differential absorption lidars (FM-DIAL) are a type of sensing system designed by PNNL to detect chemicals with narrow band absorption features, such as water, oxygen and carbon dioxide. This detection capability's absorption features are being expanded to enhance trace chemical detection in the atmosphere. The FM-DIAL has been successfully field deployed in a variety of harsh environmental and meteorological conditions to detect several chemicals associated with weapons of mass destruction.