Detection of air pollutants with tunable diode lasers

Journal Article · Fri Feb 19 04:00:00 EST 1971 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.171.3972.635· OSTI ID:6299697

Hinkley, E D; Kelley, P L

Preliminary experiments indicate that tunable Pb/sub 1-x/Sn/sub x/Te diode lasers will be useful in the identification and sensitive detection of most of the atmospheric pollutant gases. For point-sampling applications, concentration in the parts-per-billion range should be measurable with very high specificity. For long-range atmospheric transmission techniques, the improved resolution capability and tunability of these diode lasers make them attractive replacements for spectrometers and fixed-frequency laser sources where operation at cryogenic temperatures is not a serious impediment. By using these lasers as tunable local oscillators in the infrared heterodyne configuration, remote passive detection of gases present in smokestack effluent appears possible. Finally, pulsed operation at temperatures available with simple cryogenic coolers permits immediate application to the fast detection of gases present in automobile exhaust and in chemical processing plants. 22 references, 3 figures.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lexington
• OSTI ID: 6299697
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 171:3972; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AUTOMOBILES
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
INDUSTRY
LASERS
POLLUTION
REMOTE SENSING
SAMPLING
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS
USES
VEHICLES
WASTES