Abstract:
A pathogen detection system including a specimen support for supporting a test specimen sample to be analyzed, a coherent light source, an optical detector and an analyzer electronically coupled to the optical detection. The coherent light source is operable to direct a coherent light beam at said specimen support to break down and at least partially atomize said test specimen sample. The optical detector is positioned to detect a spectral signature of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the partial atomization of the test specimen sample. The analyzer compares the detected spectral signature to one or more predetermined spectral signatures for one or more pathogens.