Detection of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by laser-induced time-resolved fluorescence

Laser-induced fluorescence is introduced as an analytical technique for the detection of particle-bound PAHs, which can be found as a result of most combustion processes. A quartz fiber is used to couple the light of a frequency-doubled excimer-pumped dye laser into the sensor head. The fluorescence light is detected using collecting optics, a set of interference filters and a photomultiplier. PAHs in different forms (crystalline, as homogeneous particles and coated on NaCl particles) were investigated. Fluorescence spectra and time-resolved signals, which exhibit characteristic decay times, are presented.