Fiber optical sensor system using a tunable laser for detection of pahs on particles and in water

Laser-induced fluorescence is introduced as an analytical technique for the detection of particle-bond 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, in solution, as homogeneous particles and coated on NaCl particles) were investigated. Fluorescence spectra and time-resolved signals, which exhibit characteristic decay times, are presented.