Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for a beam transmissometer. In an embodiment, the beam transmissometer includes a LED signal source, collimating apparatus, a retroreflector that directs the projected beam, imaging apparatus that directs the beam onto a detector that converts the projected beam into an electrical signal, and signal processing circuitry that enhances the reception of the optical beam. The LED signal source is modulated in a pulsed fashion so that the effects of beam reflection are ameliorated. Signal processing circuitry amplifies, filters, and synchronizes to the electrical signal. A calculating unit uses the processed signal to determine a beam attenuation coefficient, which is indicative of the visibility of a medium in which the transmissometer is immersed. A method is also provided for aligning optics of a beam transmissometer. The method determines an offset and a rotation of a retroreflector housing that causes an optical beam to be centered.

Abstract: A field portable mass spectrometer system comprising a sample collector and a sample transporter. The sample transporter interfaces with the sample collector to receive sample deposits thereon. The system further comprises a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer has a sealable opening that receives the sample transported via the sample transporter in an extraction region of the mass spectrometer. The system further comprises a control unit that processes a time series output by the mass spectrometer for a received sample and identifies one or more agents contained in the sample.

Abstract: A field portable mass spectrometer system comprising a sample collector and a sample transporter. The sample transporter interfaces with the sample collector to receive sample deposits thereon. The system further comprises a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer has a sealable opening that receives the sample transported via the sample transporter in an extraction region of the mass spectrometer. The system further comprises a control unit that processes a time series output by the mass spectrometer for a received sample and identifies one or more agents contained in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for a beam transmissometer. In an embodiment, the beam transmissometer includes a LED signal source, collimating apparatus, a retroreflector that directs the projected beam, imaging apparatus that directs the beam onto a detector that converts the projected beam into an electrical signal, and signal processing circuitry that enhances the reception of the optical beam. The LED signal source is modulated in a pulsed fashion so that the effects of beam reflection are ameliorated. Signal processing circuitry amplifies, filters, and synchronizes to the electrical signal. A calculating unit uses the processed signal to determine a beam attenuation coefficient, which is indicative of the visibility of a medium in which the transmissometer is immersed. A method is also provided for aligning optics of a beam transmissometer. The method determines an offset and a rotation of a retroreflector housing that causes an optical beam to be centered.