A low cost, optically efficient carbon dioxide sensor based on nondispersive infra-red (NDIR) measurement at 4.2&#956;m

J. Hodgkinson; R. Smith; Wo Ho; J. R. Saffell; R. P. Tatam

doi:10.1117/12.922258

9 May 2012 A low cost, optically efficient carbon dioxide sensor based on nondispersive infra-red (NDIR) measurement at 4.2μm

J. Hodgkinson, R. Smith, Wo Ho, J. R. Saffell, R. P. Tatam

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8439, Optical Sensing and Detection II; 843919 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.922258
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Non-dispersive infra-red (NDIR) gas detection has enjoyed a widespread uptake as a result of the development of sensors in the so-called pellistor format, consisting of a cylinder with external dimensions of 20 mm diameter x 16.5 mm height. We present a new design for such a sensor, making use of low-cost injection moulding technology. The new design pays particular attention to the problem of maintaining a high optical throughput while providing an acceptable optical pathlength for gas detection. A detailed analysis of the design is presented, with the results of optical raytracing, showing a raytrace estimate of 4% of the total emitted radiation reaching each of two separated detector elements and an optical pathlength of 32mm. The high throughput provides a number of advantages in helping to overcome detector noise in NDIR measurements. Finally, we show experimental results obtained with asmanufactured devices, demonstrating the superior signal to noise ratio achieved in measurement of carbon dioxide (CO₂). We believe the optical efficiency of the device, and the improved signal to noise ratio that results from this, to be a record for a device of these dimensions.

Citation Download Citation

J. Hodgkinson, R. Smith, Wo Ho, J. R. Saffell, and R. P. Tatam "A low cost, optically efficient carbon dioxide sensor based on nondispersive infra-red (NDIR) measurement at 4.2μm", Proc. SPIE 8439, Optical Sensing and Detection II, 843919 (9 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.922258

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available