A gas detector uses etalons to receive and analyze light from a light source to determine the quantity of gas present.

The invention is designed for gas detection, which frequently involves determining the presence and concentration of specific gases accurately, swiftly, and reliably. Whether for safety, environmental monitoring, or process control, the ability to detect and quantify gases is of significant importance. Existing gas detectors have been meeting these needs with varying efficacy, but the demand for more precise and comprehensive solutions has been consistently growing. Current solutions often struggle with accuracy or response speed, especially when dealing with a wide range of gases. They commonly rely on traditional absorption spectroscopy methods, which have limitations concerning selectivity and sensitivity. Furthermore, these traditional techniques usually fail to provide simultaneous multi-gas detection, creating a demand for an improved, effective detection method.

Technology Description

The described technology is a gas detector that features a receiver designed to receive light from a light source via a gas. The light source has a bandwidth that aligns with the absorption linewidth of the gas. The device includes a first etalon, a transmission device with a substantially smaller bandwidth than that of the light source itself. Additional elements of the gas detector include detectors for analyzing the light transmitted through and reflected from the etalon, as well as a processor able to calculate the quantity of gas based on these light detections. In some models, a second etalon or a beam separator may also be included. This technology distinguishes itself through its precision and range of application. The use of etalons with bandwidths matching the absorption linewidth of the gas allows for finely-tuned measurements. With the inclusion of a separate detector for both transmitted and reflected light, and a processor for calculating the gas quantity based on both detections, the device ensures a high level of accuracy. This method can be applied to various gases, increasing its applicability.

Benefits

  • Ability to detect a wide range of gases
  • Highly accurate gas detection
  • Quick response time in detecting gases
  • Potential for simultaneous multi-gas detection
  • Precision resulting from etalon use aligning with absorption linewidth of the gas

Potential Use Cases

  • Industrial safety monitoring for hazardous gases
  • Environmental monitoring to detect pollution
  • Vehicle emissions testing
  • Process control in chemical manufacturing
  • Air-quality monitoring in enclosed spaces like mines and tunnels