Dual quantum cascade laser-based sensor for simultaneous NO and NO2 detection using a wavelength modulation-division multiplexing technique

A sensor system capable of simultaneous measurements of NO and NO2 was developed using a wavelength modulation-division multiplexing (WMDM) scheme and multi-pass absorption spectroscopy. A continuous wave (CW), distributed-feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) and a CW external-cavity (EC) QCL were employed for targeting a NO absorption doublet at 1900.075 cm−1 and a NO2 absorption line at 1630.33 cm−1, respectively. Simultaneous detection was realized by modulating both QCLs independently at different frequencies and demodulating the detector signals with LabView-programmed lock-in amplifiers. The sensor operated at a reduced pressure of 40 Torr and a data sampling rate of 1 Hz. An Allan–Werle deviation analysis indicated that the minimum detection limits of NO and NO2 can reach sub-ppbv concentration levels with averaging times of 100 and 200 s, respectively.

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