Ultra-broadband spectroscopy using a 2-11.5 µm IDFG-based supercontinuum source.

Supercontinuum sources based on intrapulse difference frequency generation (IDFG) from mode-locked lasers open new opportunities in mid-infrared gas spectroscopy. These sources provide high power and ultra-broadband spectral coverage in the molecular fingerprint region with very low relative intensity noise. Here, we demonstrate the performance of such a light source in combination with a multipass cell and a custom-built Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) for multispecies trace gas detection.

Mid-infrared supercontinuum-based Fourier transform spectroscopy for plasma analysis.

Broadband mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is a well-established and valuable diagnostic technique for reactive plasmas. Plasmas are complex systems and consist of numerous (reactive) types of molecules; it is challenging to measure and control reaction specificity with a good sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate the first use of a novel MIR supercontinuum (SC) source for quantitative plasma spectroscopy.

Non-Invasive Monitoring of Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients during Prolonged Exercise via Exhaled Breath Volatile Organic Compounds.

The aim of this study was to investigate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath as possible non-invasive markers to monitor the inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients as a result of repeated and prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. We included 18 IBD patients and 19 non-IBD individuals who each completed a 30, 40, or 50 km walking exercise over three consecutive days. Breath and blood samples were taken before the start of the exercise event and every day post-exercise to assess changes in the VOC profiles and cytokine concentrations.

The peppermint breath test benchmark for PTR-MS and SIFT-MS.

A major challenge for breath research is the lack of standardization in sampling and analysis. To address this, a test that utilizes a standardized intervention and a defined study protocol has been proposed to explore disparities in breath research across different analytical platforms and to provide benchmark values for comparison. Specifically, theinvolves the targeted analysis in exhaled breath of volatile constituents of peppermint oil after ingestion of the encapsulated oil.

Fourier transform spectrometer based on high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources for trace gas detection.

We present a fast-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) in combination with high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources, covering a wavelength range of 2-10.5 µm. We demonstrate the performance of the spectrometer for trace gas detection and compare various detection methods: baseband detection with a single photodetector, baseband balanced detection, and synchronous demodulation at the repetition rate of the supercontinuum source.