Infrared: sensing pollution

Describes the basic optical concepts of infrared gas detection in relation to industrial applications and considers the electro optic components at the heart of the analyzers, the infrared detectors themselves. Discusses the choice of detectors for a given application and looks at the pros and cons of thermal detectors and quantum detectors. Notes the possible need to cool quantum detectors to improve their signal to noise and responsivity characteristics. Concludes with the possibility for custom configurations and lists the various application of infrared gas detection including uses in the transport industry, petrochemical industry and hospitals.