Optical gas detection in microsystems is limited by the short micron scale optical path length available. Recently, the concept of slow-light enhanced absorption has been proposed as a route to compensate for the short path length in miniaturized absorption cells. We extend the previous perturbation theory to the case of a Bragg stack infiltrated by a spectrally strongly dispersive gas with a narrow and distinct absorption peak. We show that considerable signal enhancement is possible. As an example, we consider a Bragg stack consisting of PMMA infiltrated by O 2 . Here, the required optical path length for visible to near-infrared detection (∼ 760 nm) can be reduced by at least a factor of 10 2 , making a path length of 1 mm feasible. By using this technique, optical gas detection can potentially be made possible in microsystems.
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are used for oxygen monitoring via tunable diode laser spectroscopy at 760 nm wavelength. For the desired application, novel polarization-stable laser diodes based on AlGaAs were developed. We present measurements of the pressure-broadening coefficients of the electric dipole forbidden oxygen A-band b(exp 1) Sigma+(exp 9) --> X(exp 3) Sigma+(exp 9) transition at 760 nm. The time the pressure-broadening coefficients were determined with a temperature tuned VCSEL. Generally temperature tuning has the disadvantage of frequent mode-hops, but the advantage of a wider tuning range in comparison to current tuning. Because of special techniques of polarization stabilization with a combination of a dielectric surface grating and a surface relief the VCSELs have a mode hop-free tuning range of more than 7 nm and a sidemode suppression of more than 30 dB. This provides a low cost laser diode system with a wide tuning range, which enables the possibility of simultaneous measurement of temperature, pressure and oxygen concentration in air, high pressure measurements and also a higher accuracy of oxygen concentration measurements
Sensitive and fast identification of drugs or drug precursors is important and necessary in scenarios like baggage or container check by customs or police. Fraunhofer IPM is developing a laser spectrometer using external cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCL) to obtain mid-infrared (IR) absorption spectra in the wavelength range of the specific vibrational bands of amphetamines and their precursors. The commercial EC-QCL covers a tuning range of about 225 cm-1 within 1.4 s. The system could be used for different sample types like bulk samples or liquid solutions. A sampling unit evaporates the sample. Because of small sample amounts a 3 m long hollow fiber with an inner volume smaller than 1ml is used as gas cell and wave guide for the laser beam. This setup is suitable as a detector of a gas chromatograph instead of a standard detector (TCD or FID). The advantage is the selective identification of drugs by their IR spectra in addition to the retention time in the gas chromatographic column. In comparison to Fourier Transform IR systems the EC-QCL setup shows a good mechanical robustness and has the advantage of a point light source. Because of the good fiber incoupling performance of the EC-QCL it is possible to use hollow fibers. So, a good absorption signal is achieved because of the long optical path in the small cell volume without significant dilution. In first laboratory experiments a detection limit in the microgram range for pseudo ephedrine is achieved
We present a single mode intra-cavity spectroscopy system in which the test laser is locked to a narrow band external single mode laser. This technique solves many problems typically encountered in single mode intra-cavity spectroscopy: it results in good tuning properties, a stable single mode operation close to the lasing threshold, a high side-mode suppression and a reduction of spontaneous emission without the use of any frequency selective element. Measurements of broadband absorptions as well as measurements of a narrow band absorption line of the oxygen A-band are presented and compared with theoretical model predictions. The prototype described in this work provides an enhancement in sensitivity of approximately a factor of 12, and it demonstrates the influence of optical injection to single mode intra-cavity spectroscopy. As there is no need for any frequency selective element inside the cavity, the sensitivity can be massively enhanced by optimizing the laser cavity
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a commonly occurring injury that often demands surgical reconstruction. Although the utility of this operation is widely accepted, many specific components, including graft fixation technique, remain controversial. Many clinicians favor transverse femoral implant fixation for soft tissue ACL grafts. This technique can be accomplished successfully; however, in a minority of the cases, the femoral implant can be excessively prominent, leading to iatrogenic postoperative iliotibial band syndrome. This article presents 4 patients that developed postoperative iliotibial band syndrome resulting from transverse femoral implant prominence. Despite achievement of knee ligamentous stability, implant prominence compromised final clinical results following ACL reconstruction. Through change in Lysholm value, we reviewed the clinical outcomes of these patients following femoral implant hardware removal for treatment of iliotibial band syndrome. On hardware removal, all patients demonstrated complete symptomatic improvement, mirroring an average Lysholm value increase of 38. We believe transverse femoral implant prominence is avoidable, and subsequent iliotibial band syndrome is a preventable postoperative complication.
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