Photoacoustic detection of microplastics

Microplastics (MP) pollution is already a huge threat for global ecosystem and could cause serious health issues. This project aims to demonstrate a real-time and high resolution MP imaging system by creatively combing two emerging technologies: ergodic relay (ER) photoacoustic (PA) imaging and mid-infrared (MIR) gas-filled anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (ARHCF) Raman laser. The former is able to achieve real-time imaging of MP dynamics in a large field of view (FOV) with only a single ultrasonic detector and a single laser pulse shot, while the latter is designed to emit a wavelength tunable high energy laser pulse targeting the strong MIR absorption bands of typical MP compounds, to enable efficient PA excitation. Such a breakthrough will constitute a powerful and reliable way for addressing MP related pollution and health issues.