Laser Decon (IMAGE)

US Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology

Laser Decon

Caption

A "neodymium-YAG" laser will decompose VX nerve agent in this vinyl tile. Normally near-infrared, the laser turns ultraviolet as the frequency is increased. The UV light breaks the molecular bonds, decomposing the deadly nerve agent until it is just a harmless brown stain.

Credit

INL

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