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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 16, Iss. 13 — Jun. 23, 2008
  • pp: 9318–9331

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 16 > Issue 13 > Page 9318

Characterization of aqueous alcohol solutions in bottles with THz reflection spectroscopy

Peter U. Jepsen, Jens K. Jensen, and Uffe Møller  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 13, pp. 9318-9331 (2008)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.16.009318


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Abstract

We demonstrate a method based on self-referenced THz time-domain spectroscopy for inspection of aqueous liquids, and in particular alcohol solutions, inside closed containers. We demonstrate that it is possible to determine the alcohol content of an aqueous solution, and that liquids can be classified as either harmless or inflammable. The method operates in reflection mode with the result that liquids opaque to THz radiation can be characterized with little influence of the bottle shape. The method works with plastic bottles as well as glass bottles, with absorption of THz radiation by the plastic or the glass being the limiting factor. The reflection mode allows for automatic control of the validity of the measurement. The method will be useful in liquid scanning systems at security checkpoints.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(220.2740) Optical design and fabrication : Geometric optical design
(120.4825) Instrumentation, measurement, and metrology : Optical time domain reflectometry
(300.6495) Spectroscopy : Spectroscopy, teraherz

ToC Category:
Spectroscopy

History
Original Manuscript: April 29, 2008
Revised Manuscript: June 6, 2008
Manuscript Accepted: June 6, 2008
Published: June 9, 2008

Virtual Issues
Vol. 3, Iss. 7 Virtual Journal for Biomedical Optics

Citation
Peter U. Jepsen, Jens K. Jensen, and Uffe Møller, "Characterization of aqueous alcohol solutions in bottles with THz reflection spectroscopy," Opt. Express 16, 9318-9331 (2008)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-13-9318


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References

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