Entanglement Technologies will report on sensing results using a novel approach to optical detection of trace vapor using a combination of cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy and diffusion time of flight.  The direct optical detection of large molecule vapors presents a number of unique challenges due to low vapor pressures, a lack of resolved spectral features, and the presence of interfering species with overlapping absorption spectra.  By recording the changing optical absorption as sampled atmosphere diffuses into a target-free buffer gas, the concentration of target molecules may be determined using a Bayesian statistical signal processing technique.  This technique avoids the need for laser wavelength scans while simultaneously providing robust background rejection.  The use of fixed laser wavelengths enables cavity-locked absorption measurements with high data acquisition rates and eliminates the need for precision wavelength monitoring.  The technology is currently under development for a variety of molecules including trace hydrocarbons, BTEX, TCE and 1,3-butadiene. Experimental demonstration of the simultaneous detection of multiple species will be reported.  The technology is supported by state of the art cavity-ringdown performance which will also be reported.

Selective trace gas detection through cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy and diffusion time of flight

248th National Meeting (2014)

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