title: Real-time, subsecond, multicomponent breath analysis by Optical Parametric Oscillator based Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy.
abstract: Breath analysis is an attractive field of research, due to its high potential for non-invasive medical diagnostics. Among others, laser-based absorption spectroscopy is an excellent method for the detection of gases in exhaled breath, because it can combine a high sensitivity with a good selectivity, and a high temporal resolution. Here, we use a fast-scanning continuous wave, singly-resonant Optical Parametric Oscillator (wavelength range between 3 and 4 μm, linewidth 40 MHz, output power > 1 W, scanning speed 100 THz/s) with Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy for rapid and sensitive trace gas detection. Real-time, low- ppbv detection of ethane is demonstrated in exhaled human breath during free exhalations. Also, simultaneous, real-time multi-component gas detection of ethane, methane and water was performed in exhaled breath using a wide spectral coverage over 17 cm(-1) in 1 second. Furthermore, real-time detection of acetone, a molecule with a wide absorption spectrum, was shown in exhaled breath, with a sub-second time resolution (0.4 s).
authors: Life Science Trace Gas Research Group, Molecular and Laser Physics, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9010, NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands. D.Arslanov@science.ru.nl
authors: Denis D
authors: DD
authors: Arslanov
authors: Koen
authors: K
authors: Swinkels
authors: Simona M
authors: SM
authors: Cristescu
authors: Frans J M
authors: FJ
authors: Harren
mesh_terms: D001944:Breath Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity