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Stabilize QCL Systems with Dynamic Alignment to Detect Trace Gases

Technology Benefits

Higher signal-to-noise ratio Prevents slow signal drift due to misalignment Low power requirements Low-cost method Detects multiple analytes

Technology Application

Gas sensors using QCL-based external cavity systems

Detailed Technology Description

By analyzing changes in optical feedback, observed as changes in QCL impedance, this technology produces an error signal that can be used to stabilize the QCL system alignment. A measurement of the QCLΓÇÖs compliance voltage is used to determine the QCLΓÇÖs impedance in real time and produce a signal, conditioned and analyzed with signal processing techniques to become an error signal. The error signal is sent to electromechanical and electro-optical controls and devices (e.g. galvanometer-mounted and/or piezo-controlled mirror mounts and supports), which are adjusted using known noise cancelling techniques to ensure optimized alignment for improved QCL system performance.

*Abstract

UCF researchers have developed a method of stabilizing external cavity QCL system alignment by exploiting changes in QCL impedance that occur with changes in alignment and optical feedback. An electrical error signal determined by the changes in QCL impedance can correct a loss of optical alignment, from changes in cavity length and mirror orientation, caused by temperature changes and vibrational or environmental noise sources.The new technology for gas sensing is capable of detecting multiple analytes under the same technical principle with low power requirements and at low cost, based on intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy (ICLAS), and applicable to any chemical vapor except homopolar diatomic molecules and noble gases.Dynamic alignment of QCL-based external cavity systems can improve the process and quality of results in applications including remote gas leak detection, pollution monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial process controls, petrochemicals, automotive, real-time combustion control, homeland security, military applications, explosives detection, and chemical warfare agent detection.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Chris Fredricksen

Department:

Name: Douglas Maukonen

Department:

Name: Andrei Muraviev, Ph.D.

Department:

Name: Robert Peale, Ph.D.

Department:

Country/Region

USA