SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL DETECTION OF AEROSOLS

A detector for optically detecting biological aerosols in a sample volume using non-imaging optical components (NIOCs) includes a light source configured to stimulate bio-fluorescence of tryptophan or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. A first NIOC is disposed adjacent to the light source and is configured to direct light away from the first light source. A detector is configured to detect bio-fluorescence associated with biological aerosols, and a second NIOC is disposed adjacent to the detector and is configured to direct light toward the first detector. In at least one embodiment, each NIOC comprises a compound parabolic collector. In one embodiment, the volume is disposed between the first and second NIOC, and in other embodiments, the volume is disposed distally of both NIOCs. To facilitate volume production, the NIOC can be formed as an integral structure. Preferably, the sample is a volume of a gaseous fluid, such as air.