Design and performance of a sensor system for detection of multiple chemicals using an external cavity quantum cascade laser

Mark C. Phillips, Matthew S. Taubman, Bruce E. Bernacki, Bret D. Cannon, John T. Schiffern, Tanya L. Myers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the performance of a sensor system designed for simultaneous detection of multiple chemicals with both broad and narrow absorption features. The sensor system consists of a broadly tunable external cavity quantum cascade laser (ECQCL), multi-pass Herriott cell, and custom low-noise electronics. The ECQCL features a fast wavelength tuning rate of 2265 cm-1/s (15660 nm/s) over the range of 1150-1270 cm-1 (7.87-8.70 μm), which permits detection of molecules with broad absorption features and dynamic concentrations, while the 0.2 cm-1 spectral resolution of the ECQCL system allows measurement of small molecules with atmospherically broadened absorption lines. High-speed amplitude modulation and low-noise electronics are used to improve the ECQCL performance for direct absorption measurements. We demonstrate simultaneous detection of Freon-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), ammonia (NH3), and nitrous oxide (N2O) at low-ppb concentrations in field measurements of atmospheric chemical releases from a point source.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationQuantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices VII
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventQuantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices VII - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 24 2010Jan 28 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7608
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceQuantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices VII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period1/24/101/28/10

Keywords

  • Infrared spectroscopy
  • Quantum cascade laser
  • Tunable laser

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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