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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
Sensing of molecular hydrogen using direct tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy
Sensitive measurements of molecular hydrogen (H2) were achieved using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). Accurate quantification requires accounting for collision-induced narrowing and absorption, crucial for H2 sensing.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Laser Technology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Molecular hydrogen (H2) detection is vital for industrial processes and safety.
- Accurate H2 quantification can be challenging due to spectral line complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present sensitive and precise measurements of molecular hydrogen using TDLAS.
- To investigate the S(1) H2 quadrupole transition at 2122 nm and the Q(1) H2 absorption line at 2406 nm.
- To assess the impact of collision-induced narrowing and absorption on H2 measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized direct tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS).
- Employed an 11.4-meter multipass cell for enhanced sensitivity.
- Investigated H2-N2 binary mixtures across a wide concentration range.
Main Results:
- Achieved minimum detectable concentrations of 12 ppmv (1s) and 1.2 ppmv (100s).
- Demonstrated excellent linearity from ppmv levels to pure H2 at 1 atm.
- Observed significant intercollisional dips, particularly for the Q(1) line, impacting high-pressure measurements.
Conclusions:
- TDLAS offers a sensitive and precise method for H2 measurement.
- Accurate H2 quantification necessitates incorporating collision-induced narrowing and absorption effects.
- The findings are critical for advancing H2 sensing in industrial applications.
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