A new technique for the detection of trace concentrations of molecules in solution has been developed. This system utilizes the amplification characteristics of a bubble chamber in which energy deposition from laser absorption is monitored. In the experimental set-up, a trace quantity of solute is introduced into liquid propane that is contained in a small (10 ml) stainless steel cell at 120 psi. The propane is superheated by sudden reduction of the cell pressure. Before wall nucleated boiling occurs, target solute molecules are energized by a laser pulse. Absorption of pump laser energy results in the formation of nucleation centers which develop into bubbles and which in turn are detected by CCD camera. Preliminary experiments with crystal violet used as a test absorber have demonstrated detection sensitivity of 10 parts per trillion (ppt).
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