Power Efficient, Miniature Mid-Infrared Sensor

The subtopic described the need for a multi-gas sensor that is power efficient, consistent with a wearable form factor, and can reliably operate under a wide range of temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions. We propose an integrated carbon dioxide and ammonia gas sensor that can reach the required dynamic range, accuracy, and sensitivity even under significant environmental variation. We employ distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) to perform intrapulse spectroscopy in the mid-infrared, which allows us to reach targeted sensitivities with ultra-low duty cycle measurements to dramatically reduces power consumption and system complexity. Pendarrsquo;s expertise in monolithic quantum cascade laser integration will enable integration of multiple quantum cascade lasers to incorporate detection of several gases,nbsp;all within a system footprint compatible with spacesuit sensing applications.nbsp;