The Trace Detection Laboratory or TDLab (part of the Spectroscopy and Catalysis group) operates a variety of state-of-the-art trace gas detectors that allow real time measurements with detection levels at or below parts per billion volume level.
The experiments offer high temporal and spatial resolution, so that fast reactions of biological material become directly observable. The laboratory is available to internal and external users.
Our laboratory houses and develops different optical/laser sources. Coupled to advanced absorption spectroscopy techniques, they possess strong capabilities for trace gas detection, including biological, environmental, and medical applications. The infrastructure is equipped for gases like ethylene, methane, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, and many more.
Figure: Typical absorption regions of some important gases (Generated by SpectralCalc).
The laboratory possesses various mass spectrometry instruments. Tailored for applications in detecting trace gases for medical, agricultural, and environmental applications, the group specializes in detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic compounds, nitriles, amines, amides, thiols, and sulphides.
Photo: The GC-IMS in the TDLab.
The TDLab uses state-of-the-art laser-based spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for a wide range of gas concentrations (from sub ppb level to ppm and percentages). Most of these methodologies are developed for reliable detection and quantification of volatile compounds in a specific application. Various examples of applications include: Breath analysis, Post-harvest research, Chemical reactions in plasmas, Measuring pollutants and outdoor emissions, Microbiology, Entomology, and Plant physiology.
The facility is part of the Spectroscopy and Catalysis group. Below is a video of the FLying ultrA-broadband single-shot Infra-Red sensor (FLAIR), a finished project where UAV-mounted sensors were used for large-scale, sensitive air quality monitoring to combat air pollution and its severe health impacts.
The Trace Detection Laboratory is located in the Huygens building, 1st floor, wing 7. For more information or to request access, please get in touch with Simona Cristescu.