Sensors based on absorption measurements combine high sensitivity and real-time capabilities.
Present sensors rely on physical sampling techniques which are inherently slow.
Completion of a feasibility study of the incorporation of the sensor systems in practical systems for pollutant monitoring and control. The optical sensor for carbon monoxide is based on frequency difference mixing of the fiber-amplified radiation from ECDL systems operating at approximately 1017 nm and 1308 nm in a periodically poled Lithium Niobate crystal. In addition these sensors will be capable of real-time measurements and could be used for combustion control applications. It is subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and because of this billions of dollars are spent every year by manufacturers of automobiles, aircraft engines, power generating gas turbines and other practical combustion devices to control NO emissions. Due to their increased sensitivity and real-time capability our sensors will enable on the one hand capability to enforce these stricter emission standards and on the other hand make combustion control applications with the goal of reduced pollutant emission possible.