PSI announces first commercial quantum cascade laser-based sensors
The first two sensors in what will be a growing product line are for NO and CO detection. Using a 5.2 micron, room-temperature QCL operating with over 1 mW average power, the QCL-NO-1001 sensor provides continuous detection of NO with 10 ppb sensitivity in a 10 Hz bandwidth at atmospheric pressure and temperature. The model QCL-CO-1001 sensor achieves the same specifications for CO detection using a 4.6 micron QCL. Both sensors feature fully integrated software control and sufficient electro-optic components to setup a complete absorption measurement.
Additional sensors for sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide and formaldehyde are presently under development and will be available commercially before the end of 2002.
In January 2001, PSI completed a technology transfer agreement related to Lucent Technology s QCL technology for gas sensing applications. The agreement granted to PSI rights for commercial sales of gas sensors based on Lucent s room-temperature QCL sources operating in the 5?12 micron region. The agreement between PSI and Lucent was the first authorizing commercial development and sales of QCL-based gas sensors. Lucent also provided a license for QCL fabrication to Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI) of Sugarland, TX.
Mark Allen
Tel. +1 978 689-0003
Fax: +1 978 689-3232
E-mail: allen@psicorp.com
Web site: http://www.psicorp.com
