Aerosol agent detection using spectroscopic characterization

We present here a brief description of our efforts to develop optical spectroscopic characterization and classification methods for air-borne biological particles. While the bulk of our experimental investigation has used laser-induced fluorescence in conjunction with incident laser elastic scattering, we have also developed novel methods for generating, handling, interrogating and collecting aerosol particles. A method known as a Structured Trigger Beam (STB) for obtaining optical measurements from individual aerosol particles that are normalized with respect to the instrument response function is described here. Our latest results will be included in our presentation.