High-sensitivity sensor of gases based on IR tunable diode lasers for human exhalation monitoring

Results on tunable diode laser spectroscopy applications in analysis of human expiration are presented. Carbon monoxide concentrations in exhaled air of several non-smoking adults were measured with high sensitivity. Obtained CO contents slightly exceed atmosphere level and correlate with it. Simultaneous measurements of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were carried out using single diode laser generated at 4.7 microns. Dependences of their concentration in exhaled air on breath-holding time were investigated.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.