Nonintrusive analysis of chemical agent identification sets using a portable fiber-optic Raman spectrometer

A portable fiber-optic Raman system comprising a diode laser, echelle spectrograph, charge-coupled del ice (CCD) detector, and filtered fiber-optic probe has been used to analyze chemical agents and other toxic chemicals in sealed glass containers. These containers include ampoules and bottles that are contents of chemical agent identification sets (CAIS) developed for use in training military personnel in chemical agent identification, safe handling, and decontamination. Real-time nonintrusive analysis of these sets is required so that the items containing chemical agents can be identified for proper disposal. This paper details the laboratory measurement of Raman spectra of CAIS chemicals, the determination of detection limits for mustard gas and lewisite in chloroform, and the analysis of CAIS items in the field.