A Laser That Can Smell like a Hound
June 7, 2018 | University of AdelaideEstimated reading time: 1 minute
University of Adelaide researchers have created a laser that can "smell" different gases within a sample. Applications for the new device lie not just in environmental monitoring and detecting industrial contamination, but may eventually be used to diagnose disease by "smelling" the breath.
The researchers liken the ability of the laser to differentiate between different gas compounds in a sample to the sensitive nose of a bloodhound. But rather than smell, the device uses patterns of light absorption to measure the composition of the sample.
From the University's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), the researchers report in the journal Physical Review Applied that the laser can measure the amount of carbon dioxide in a gas sample in under one second, with high accuracy and precision.
"The ability to rapidly measure gas composition to such high accuracy is cutting edge," says lead author Sarah Scholten, PhD candidate in the University's School of Physical Sciences. "With further development, it opens the way for real-time and inexpensive monitoring and analysis that can be carried out in the field, or in the doctor's surgery, by non-specialist operators."
The device exploits a Nobel-prize winning technology, developed by US and German scientists, called an 'optical frequency comb'. This 'laser comb' generates millions of different light frequencies or colours at once.
The researchers pass this special light through a sample of gas where each gas molecule absorbs a distinctive set of colours. The pattern of light absorption is a unique fingerprint of the gas composition of the sample.
"This first work aims at atmospheric monitoring, however, the technique is broadly applicable and offers an avenue for near-universal concentration measurements," says Dr Chris Perrella, Postdoctoral Fellow.
The group now aims to use the laser comb to unravel the chemical composition of the exhaled breath - in this much more complex situation they hope to find tell-tale chemical signs that point to underlying disease. The ultimate goal is to use the laser as a screening tool - to discover a serious illness even before the patient is aware of the condition.
Suggested Items
D Coupon Testing and Data Insights With GreenSource Fabrication
04/17/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineMarcy LaRont spoke with Steve Karas of GreenSource Fabrication at the SMTA UHDI conference in March. He presented a case study that GreenSource undertook with a customer on critical via reliability with advanced materials and used the experience to highlight the importance and effectiveness of D coupon testing. He also discussed GreenSource’s approach to data aggregation and a new system they developed to use collected data effectively.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Exploring Silicone Solutions with R&D Director of CHT
04/17/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this interview, Gerry Ellis, the R&D director for CHT, discusses the product range offered by his company. He explains the challenges in creating base formulations, the drive to make products more user-friendly, and the various application techniques involved. Ellis also highlights the key market segments and the significance of providing efficient solutions to customers.
The World of Electronics and Standards: A Conversation with Frank Honyotski, STI
04/03/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineMarcy LaRont of I-Connect007 speaks with Frank Honyotski of STI Electronics, who discusses the services offered by STI, including training, engineering, and failure analysis. He highlights his involvement with IPC standards development and emphasizes the importance of industry professionals engaging in standards development.
Demand Rebounds, Global LED Industry Revenue Expected to Grow 3% in 2024 with Market Focus on Automotive Displays
04/01/2024 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest LED industry report indicates that the global market is set to recover in 2024, with estimated revenues reaching US$13 billion—marking a YoY growth of 3%.
Orbex Secures Patent for 'Petal Fold' Reusable Rocket Technology
03/29/2024 | OrbexOrbex has successfully patented its REFLIGHT reusable rocket technology following patent approval in several European markets, based on the patent grant by the European Patent Office, as well as in the United States.