US company develops high sensitivity gas detector based on novel laser technology

Abstract

Describes a unique optical source, the quantum cascade laser (QCL) and its application to gas detection. The instruments can detect both nitric oxide and carbon monoxide at concentrations down to 10 ppb m at atmospheric temperature and pressure with a 1 m absorption path‐length. A QCL operating at 5.8 μm can be used during airborne surveys of atmospheric formaldehyde, a key intermediate in the oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons which contribute to the formation of ozone precursors.

Citation

Bogue, R.W. (2003), "US company develops high sensitivity gas detector based on novel laser technology", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 33-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602280310457910