Ramesh C Sharma
Laser Science and Technology Centre,India
Title: Laser Remote Sensing Technologies for Defense and Security Applications
Biography
Biography: Ramesh C Sharma
Abstract
Several instances of use of biological warfare agents during World War I and World War II can be found in open literature. For the few decades after Biological and Toxin Weapon Convention in 1972, the use of these agents was not reported. But it again hogged the limelight after terrorists used the anthrax powder in United States in 2001 which claimed 22 casualties including five deaths. The use of biological, chemicals and explosive warfare agents by terror groups is one of the biggest concerns in today’s scenario. The development of a technology for standoff detection of biological warfare agents to mitigate the threat. The technology utilizes UV Laser (266 nm) induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy for the detection in bio-aerosol form. The technology has been demonstrated and the signals from bio-aerosols have been detected from distances of up to 1000 meter in both day and night conditions. The spectra are recorded of Bacillus Anthrax class stimulants/ bio-chemicals with the range and concentration. The LIF results have recorded using the ICCD and MAPMT spectrometer detectors at day and night conditions. Absorption based ultrasonic laser Photoacoustic spectroscopic (LPAS) technique is developed based on Mid IR quantum cascade laser (7 to 9 micron), microphone and quartz enhance detectors. The Photoacoustic technique is made for without interference of audio sound and the presence Sunlight. The Standoff Photo acoustic technology have potential for the detection of hazardous molecules (like explosive, chemicals and drugs etc) in the form of solid, liquid vapours, gases and aerosols. Photo acoustic sensing technology have capabilities for the detection of traces, mixtures of molecules, post blast materials, these technologies in details will be discussed in my presentation.