Optoacoustic (laser ultrasound) sensing for remote, chemical process monitoring

The use of lasers as a method of sensing allows for a non-invasive form of measurement. Lasers have the ability of deliver a concentrated and pulsed energy of light onto a surface which can then be converted into an ultrasonic wave for detection. This research project will aim to create a remote ultrasonic technique for chemical process monitoring for use in challenging environments. We plan to create a system where light is incident onto a surface, either liquid or gas, is absorbed to create an acoustic wave, and the resultant waves can then be observed to witness real time chemical events.
There are many situations to which this application would be useful such as in environmental and biomedical applications where a remote form of measurement is required in corrosive and sterilized environments. The final device will be able to compete commercially against more complex optical based sensing techniques. Applications will include the differentiation of liquids based on volatile compounds or measuring antibody-antigen interactions. The intention is also to create a mechanism that will accomplish this in real time which will allow for remote ultrasonic sensing and observation of events such as binding of proteins, with a versatile and non-destructive technique.
The final design will be a laser-based sensing system capable of real-time process monitoring of multiple chemical events happening simultaneously. This will be achieved by dynamically changing the ultrasonic response of the laser-based system.