Optical Gas Sensing: Media, Mechanisms and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Optical gas sensing is one of the fastest developing research areas of laser spectroscopy. Continuous development of new coherent light sources operating   in the Mid-IR and Far-IR regions (QCL - Quantum Cascade Lasers, ICL – Intraband Cascade Lasers , OPO – Optical Parametric  Oscillator, DFG - Difference Frequency Generation, optical combs etc.) stimulate new sophisticated methods and technological solutions in this area.  Development of  clever techniques of gas detection based on new mechanisms of sensing (photoacoustic, photothermal, dispersion etc.) supported by advanced applied electronics and huge progress in signal processing allow to introduce more sensitive, more broadband and miniaturized optical sensors. Additionally, substantial advancement of fast and sensitive photodetectors in MIR and FIR supports very much gas sensing progress.

Recent material and technological progress in the development of  hollow-core optical fibers allowing low-loss transmission in both NIR and MIR opens a new route for obtaining low volume long optical paths so strongly required in laser-based gas sensors. The first successful demonstrations of using hollow-core fibers as gas absorption cells have been already demonstrated. The next important subject in the area opening huge possibilities is based on frequency comb spectroscopy, with its recent mutation – dual-comb spectroscopy. Furthermore, recently introduced, the so called laser-intra-cavity heterodyne gas detection technique seems to make important progress in improving sensitivity and miniaturization of the sensors.

The aim of this Special Issue is to give some insight into trends in optical gas sensing, including new visions, new techniques, novel materials and devices.

Topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• absorption spectroscopy
• photoacoustic and photothermal spectroscopy
• dispersion spectroscopy
• frequency comb spectroscopy
• heterodyne-based techniques
• optical fibers
• mid-infrared laser sources
• remote sensing
• application of laser based gas sensors

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof M. Abramski
Dr. Piotr Jaworski
Guest Editors

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