Substance detection, inspection and classification system using enhanced photoemission spectroscopy

A handheld photoemission spectroscopy detection system comprising:

• a miniature scanning detection system operating in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum comprising
• an excitation light source to generate excitation energy including a central ray, wherein the excitation light source is modulated within a range of about 100 Hz to 3000 Hz,
• an ultraviolet fluorescence detector to detect a plurality of emissions produced by the excitation energy, and
• a synchronous detector synchronized to a phase or a frequency of the excitation light source to detect a signal of interest from the plurality of emissions;
• a distance sensor to determine a distance to a target of the plurality of emissions based on the signal of interest;
• a processor coupled to the synchronous detector, the processor receiving spectral data from the signal of interest;
• and
• a database coupled to said processor that includes signature data for a plurality of predetermined chemical substances to compare to the spectral data.

A handheld photoemission spectroscopy detection system comprising:

• a miniature scanning detection system operating in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum comprising
• an excitation light source to direct excitation energy at a target, wherein the excitation light source is modulated within a range of about 100 Hz to 3000 Hz;
• an optic to detect emission energy from the target;
• an ultraviolet fluorescence detector to detect a plurality of emissions from the emission energy;
• a synchronous detector to detect a signal of interest from the plurality of emissions;
• a processor coupled to the synchronous detector, the processor deriving spectral data from the signal of interest;
• a distance sensor to determine a distance to the target;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor that includes signature data to store a plurality of predetermined substances to compare to the spectral data.

A method for detecting a substance using a handheld photoemission spectroscopy detection system, the method comprising:

• generating excitation energy with an excitation light source;
• directing the excitation energy at a target having an offset distance;
• detecting a plurality of emissions from the target with an ultraviolet fluorescence detector;
• determining the offset distance to the target using a distance sensor using the plurality of emissions;
• detecting a signal of interest from the plurality of emissions using a synchronous detector;
• retrieving signature data for a predetermined chemical substance based on the signal of interest;
• and
• displaying the signature data.