JILA Unveils Improved 'Molecular Fingerprinting' for Trace Gas Detection (IMAGE)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

JILA Unveils Improved 'Molecular Fingerprinting' for Trace Gas Detection

Caption

This is an artist's rendering of JILA's molecular fingerprinting system. A gas mixture (left) is probed by a frequency comb, a laser-based tool for identifying different colors of light. By analyzing the amounts of specific colors absorbed, the system quickly identifies molecules and their concentrations. Applications may include diagnosing disease, detecting security threats, and measuring trace gases in the atmosphere.

Credit

Baxley/JILA

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