Patent ID: 6067167
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An ILS sensor for detecting the presence of drug vapors, other than ethyl alcohol vapors, or metabolized by-product vapors in an enclosed space, said sensor, comprising:(a) a laser comprising a gain medium having two opposed facets within a laser resonator and functioning as an intracavity spectroscopic device having a first end and a second end, said first end operatively associated with a partially reflecting surface;(b) a reflective or dispersive optical element operatively associated with said second end to define a broadband wavelength laser resonator between said optical element and said first end and to thereby define an external cavity region between at least one facet of said gain medium and either said first end or said second end or both ends;(c) said external cavity region being exposed to air in said enclosed space to enable any drug vapors or metabolized by-product molecules to enter thereinto;(d) a detector spaced from said first end and providing an output detector signal;(e) electronic means for measuring and analyzing said detector signal;(f) a housing for containing at least said laser, said partially reflecting surface, and said optical element, said housing being configured to prevent escape of stray radiation into said enclosed space and to permit air from said enclosed space to continuously circulate through said external cavity region for analysis; and(g) means for driving said laser.