Which Gases can be detected?
Once the absorption spectrum is determined for a particular gas, i.e. the molecular cross-sections or absorption coefficients, its detection sensitivity can be calculated. These data are well known for various gases.
The table below gives the detection limits expressed in concentrations (ppb) with an optical path of one meter for some commercially important gas types. Smaller detection limits correspond to more sensitive detection. Measurement at normal atmosphere pressure and room temperature is assumed, as well as a minimum detectable absorption of sensor 10-5 of the radiated laser power.
Table: Gas detection limits extracted from literature
Spectroscopy for Gas Sensing
The table below gives the detection limits expressed in concentrations (ppb) with an optical path of one meter for some commercially important gas types. Smaller detection limits correspond to more sensitive detection. Measurement at normal atmosphere pressure and room temperature is assumed, as well as a minimum detectable absorption of sensor 10-5 of the radiated laser power.
Table: Gas detection limits extracted from literature Spectroscopy for Gas Sensing