Abstract

We are developing laser based fluorescence particle counters and spectrum analyzers which should be useful for real-time monitoring of airborne bacteria, proteins or other particles. Improved methods for detecting and characterizing airborne particles could be useful in applications such as studying the spread of diseases of plants, animals, and humans, or determining the sources of particles in clean rooms. Many airborne bacteria, pollens and viruses are of medical, agricultural, or ecological interest. Some diseases of humans (e.g., tuberculosis), of farm animals, of agricultural crops, and of forest trees are commonly transmitted through the air. Some airborne pollens cause allergies in humans. Bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringensis) used to control certain pests are commonly disseminated through the air.

© 1996 Optical Society of America