Ultraviolet Raman Spectra and Cross-Sections of the G-series Nerve Agents

• Published in: Applied spectroscopy Vol. 62; no. 10; pp. 1078 - 1083
• Main Authors: Christesen, Steven D., Jones, Jay Pendell, Lochner, Joseph M., Hyre, Aaron M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-10-2008
• Subjects: Algorithms; Chemical Warfare Agents - analysis; Cholinesterase Inhibitors - analysis; Organophosphorus Compounds - analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet - methods; Spectrum Analysis, Raman - methods; Chemical agents; Contamination detection; Raman spectroscopy; Nerve agents; Cross-sections; Ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0003-7028; 1943-3530
• DOI: 10.1366/000370208786049024

Ultraviolet (UV) Raman spectroscopy is being applied to the detection of chemical agent contamination of natural and man-made surfaces. In support of these efforts, we have measured the UV Raman signatures of the G-series nerve agents GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman), GF (cyclosarin), and the agent simulant diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) at 248 nm and 262 nm, as well as taking their UV Raman and UV absorption cross-sections. Of these chemicals, only GA exhibits any significant pre-resonance enhancement. We also show that reduction of the excitation wavelength from 262 nm to 248 nm effectively shifts the Raman spectrum away from a substantial sample fluorescence background, implying a significant improvement in detection capability.