August 1, 2003
Conference Paper

Quantitative Infrared Spectra of Vapor Phase Chemical Agents

Abstract

Quantitative, moderately high resolution (0.1 cm-1) infrared spectra have been acquired for a number of nitrogen broadened (1 atm N2) vapor phase chemicals including: Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), Tabun (GA), Cyclosarin (GF), VX, Nitrogen Mustard (HN3), Sulfur Mustard (HD), and Lewisite (L). The spectra are acquired using a heated, flow-through White Cell1 of 5.6 meter optical path length. Each reported spectrum represents a statistical fit to Beer’s law, which allows for a rigorous calculation of uncertainty in the absorption coefficients. As part of an ongoing collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cross-laboratory validation is a critical aspect of this work. In order to identify possible errors in the Dugway flow-through system, quantitative spectra of isopropyl alcohol from both NIST and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are compared to similar data taken at Dugway proving Grounds (DPG).

Revised: December 31, 2008 | Published: August 1, 2003

Citation

Sharpe S.W., T.J. Johnson, P.M. Chu, J. Kleimeyer, and B. Rowland. 2003. Quantitative Infrared Spectra of Vapor Phase Chemical Agents. In Chemical and Biological Sensing IV, edited by PJ Gardner, 5085, 19-27. Bellingham, Washington:SPIE. PNNL-SA-38355.