Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of chemical-warfare agents and their synthetic precursors

Angela R. Hight Walker; Richard D. Suenram; Alan C. Samuels; James O. Jensen; Dwight L. Woolard; W. Wiebach

doi:10.1117/12.336849

18 January 1999 Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of chemical-warfare agents and their synthetic precursors

Angela R. Hight Walker, Richard D. Suenram, Alan C. Samuels, James O. Jensen, Dwight L. Woolard, W. Wiebach

Proceedings Volume 3533, Air Monitoring and Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336849
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Fourier-transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy is an established is an established technique for observing the rotational spectra of molecules and complexes in molecular beams. Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are adapting this measurement technology for applications in analytical chemistry. Presently, FTMW spectroscopy is being used to investigate chemical-warfare agents and their synthetic precursors. A FTMW spectroscopy facility has been established at a surety laboratory at the Edgewood Research, Development, and Engineering Center, where the capabilities exist for handling these deadly warfare agents. Here, the rotational spectra of Sarin, Soman and DF have been observed and assigned. Also, microwave spectroscopic studies of less toxic precursors such as pinacolyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and thiodiglycol have been carried out at NIST. Tests will be undertaken to assess the potential of using FTMW spectroscopy for detecting trace amounts of chemical-warfare agents and precursors in air. A database of rotational transition frequencies is being compiled for use in conjunction with a FTMW spectrometer to unambiguously detect and monitor chemical weapons. The sensitivity and resolution of FTMW spectroscopy of FTMW spectroscopy suggest that the technique may offer real-time, unequivocal identification of chemical-warfare agents at trace vapor concentrations in air.

Citation Download Citation

Angela R. Hight Walker, Richard D. Suenram, Alan C. Samuels, James O. Jensen, Dwight L. Woolard, and W. Wiebach "Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of chemical-warfare agents and their synthetic precursors", Proc. SPIE 3533, Air Monitoring and Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents, (18 January 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336849

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