Optical Nose: A Novel Mid-Infrared Laser System for Analyzing Gaseous Samples

For ultimate performance, optical detection of organic molecules has to be performed in the so-called “molecular fingerprint” region, located in the mid-infrared wavelength range between 2 and 20 mm. In this region, all organic molecules possess a dense series of strong, narrow-band absorption lines corresponding to rotational-vibrational transitions. By measuring the light absorption in a gas sample at a large number of different wavelengths in the fingerprint region, practically all such molecules can be identified and individual concentrations measured.
The “optical nose” simulates functions of biological olfaction, effectively mimics a magnified sense of smell and displays it in optical domain in a form of absorption patterns specific for each detected molecule.

UAB’s optical nose laser system comprises an effective and compact “fiber-bulk” Er:YAG pump laser, a Cr2+:ZnSe seed laser, and a ZnGeP2-based high-power, narrow linewidth, ultra-broad and rapidly tunable Optical Parametric Generator in conjunction with compatible sensing and signal enhancing techniques to satisfy the challenging demands of real time analysis and quantification. Recent progress in developing the mid-IR laser system as well as possible practical applications will be discussed.

Dr. Sergey Mirov

Department of Physics, The University of Alabama in Birmingham