TY - JOUR A1 - Pangerl, Jonas A1 - Sukul, Pritam A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Fuchs, Patricia A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Miekisch, Wolfram A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - An inexpensive UV-LED photoacoustic based real-time sensor-system detecting exhaled trace-acetone JF - Photoacoustics N2 - n this research we present a low-cost system for breath acetone analysis based on UV-LED photoacoustic spectroscopy. We considered the end-tidal phase of exhalation, which represents the systemic concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – providing clinically relevant information about the human health. This is achieved via the development of a CO2-triggered breath sampling system, which collected alveolar breath over several minutes in sterile and inert containers. A real-time mass spectrometer is coupled to serve as a reference device for calibration measurements and subsequent breath analysis. The new sensor system provided a 3σ detection limit of 8.3 ppbV and an NNEA of 1.4E-9 Wcm 1Hz 0.5. In terms of the performed breath analysis measurements, 12 out of 13 fell within the error margin of the photoacoustic measurement system, demonstrating the reliability of the measurements in the field. KW - Photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - Real-time mass-spectrometry KW - Breath analysis KW - Acetone KW - UV-LED Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-71279 SN - 2213-5979 N1 - Corresponding author der OTH Regensburg: Jonas Pangerl VL - 38 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Escher, Lukas A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Jobst, Simon A1 - Pangerl, Jonas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Photodissociation-Driven Photoacoustic Spectroscopy with UV-LEDs for Ozone Detection JF - Photoacoustics N2 - This study presents the development and evaluation of a UV-LED based photoacoustic (PA) measurement system for ozone (O3) detection to demonstrate its potential for low-cost and accurate sensing while for the first time addressing the importance of photodissociation for PA signal generation for O3 in the UV range. With a detection limit of 7.9 ppbV, the system exhibits a significant advancement over state-of-the-art UV-PA O3 detection and is on par with laser-based setups. Following a novel discussion of the PA signal arising from photodissociation and its products, cross-sensitivity effects due to environmental factors such as temperature and gas composition were systematically analyzed. A digital twin driven compensation for these influences was implemented and evaluated. Despite the challenges associated with modeling the effects of H2O and CO2, the PA system shows considerable potential, though further studies in real world applications must be conducted. KW - Photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - UV-LED KW - Ozone KW - Photodissociation KW - Cross-sensitivity Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-80076 SN - 2213-5979 N1 - Corresponding author der OTH Regensburg: Lukas Escher VL - 43 PB - Elsevier BV ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Feldmeier, Florian A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Photoacoustic detection of acetone in N2 and synthetic air using a high power UV LED JF - Sensors Actuators B Chemical N2 - The performance of a photoacoustic trace gas sensor for the detection of acetone in N2 and synthetic air is reported. The sensor system utilises an amplitude modulated UV LED. The light source has an emission maximum at 278 nm and a maximum CW output power of 300 mW according to the datasheet. Three different collimating and focusing approaches have been investigated to guide the highly divergent LED light into the acoustic resonator of the photoacoustic measurement cell. A 3D printed aluminium cell was designed to optimize light coupling by simultaneously minimizing the photoacoustic background signal generation. Hence, the diameter of the resonator was set to a comparable large diameter of 10 mm and the inner walls of the resonator were mirror polished. The additive manufacturing procedure allowed for integration of a spirally formed gas channel, enabling gas heating prior to detection. The sensor performance was investigated by measuring acetone in N2 and synthetic air at different concentrations. The UV LED current was set to 86 % of the maximum value according to the datasheet of the light source in order to increase the lifetime and thermal stability. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis validates a stable sensor performance. The limit of detection (LoD) was determined at a 3σ noise level with a 10 s lock-in amplifier time constant by sampling data points over 20 s with a data acquisition rate of 5 Hz. LoDs of 80.8 ppbV and 19.6 ppbV were obtained for acetone in N2 and synthetic air, respectively. KW - Acetone detection KW - Photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - High power UV LED KW - UV LED collimation system KW - Acetone breath analysis Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2020.128109 N1 - Corresponding author at: Sensorik-Applikationszentrum (SappZ) der Ostbayerischen Technischen Hochschule Regensburg VL - 316 IS - August SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Wittmann, Elisabeth A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Effects of ambient parameters and cross-sensitivities from O2, CO2 and H2O on the photoacoustic detection of acetone in the UV region JF - Sensors Actuators B Chemical N2 - We present a sensitive UV LED photoacoustic setup for the detection of gaseous acetone and discuss its applicability towards breath analysis. We investigated the performance of the sensor for low acetone concentrations down to 0.1 parts per million (ppmV). The influences of temperature, flow, pressure, optical power and LED duty cycle on the measured signal have been examined. To gain a better understanding of the different effects on the photoacoustic signal, correlation analysis was applied and feature importance was determined using a large measured dataset. Furthermore, the cross-sensitivities towards O2, CO2 and H2O have been studied extensively. Finally, the sensor’s performance to detect acetone between 0.1–1 ppmV within gas mixtures simulating breath exhale conditions has been investigated, too. With a limit of detection (LoD) of 12.5 parts per billion (ppbV) (3σ) measured under typical breath exhale gas mixture conditions, the sensor demonstrated a high potential for the application of acetone detection in human breath analysis. KW - Acetone detection KW - Photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - High power UV LED KW - Cross-sensitivities KW - Acetone breath analysis Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2020.129001 SN - 0925-4005 N1 - Corresponding authors: Stefan Weigl, Elisabeth Wittmann, Thomas Rück, Rudolf Bierl, Frank-Michael Matysik N1 - Corrigendum to “Effects of ambient parameters and cross-sensitivities from O2, CO2 and H2O on the photoacoustic detection of acetone in the UV region” [Sens. Actuators B: Chem. 328 (February 2021) (2020) 129001]; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2020.129392 IS - 328 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - INPR A1 - Pangerl, Jonas A1 - Sukul, Pritam A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Fuchs, Patricia A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Miekisch, Wolfram A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - An Inexpensive Uv-Led Photoacoustic Based Real-Time Sensor-System Detecting Exhaled Trace-Acetone N2 - In this research we present a low-cost system for breath acetone analysis based on UV-LED photoacoustic spectroscopy. We considered the end-tidal phase of exhalation, which represents the systemic concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – providing clinically relevant information about the human health. This is achieved via the development of a CO2-triggered breath sampling system, which collected alveolar breath over several minutes in sterile and inert containers. A real-time mass spectrometer is coupled to serve as a reference device for calibration measurements and subsequent breath analysis. The new sensor system provided a 3σ detection limit of 6.4 ppbV and an NNEA of 1.1E-9 Wcm-1Hz-0.5. In terms of the performed breath analysis measurements, 12 out of 13 fell within the error margin of the photoacoustic measurement system, demonstrating the reliability of the measurements in the field. KW - photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - real-time mass-spectrometry KW - breath analysis KW - acetone KW - UV-LED Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4724198 N1 - Der Aufsatz wurde peer-reviewed unter folgender DOI veröffentlicht: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pacs.2024.100604 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - NO2 trace gas monitoring in air using off-beam quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) and interference studies towards CO2, H2O and acoustic noise JF - Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical N2 - We present the development and characterization as well as comprehensive interference studies of a photoacoustic NO2 trace gas detection system. The system is based on an off-beam quartz enhanced photoacoustic scheme (off-beam QEPAS) and signal generation was initiated by amplitude modulating a low-cost diode laser emitting at 450 nm. The QEPAS sensor element features double-resonant amplification, still it is only ∼ 5 × 5 × 2.5 mm in size. The individual and combined resonance characteristics were investigated and specified to 52 dB amplification, adding up 15 dB acoustic- and 37 dB mechanical-resonance amplification. The linearity of the photoacoustic signal dependency on the analyte concentration was verified from 200 ppbV to 100 ppmV NO2 in synthetic air. The detection limit (3σ) was determined to 1.8 ppbV using a lock-in time constant of 10 s and an averaging time of 20 s. The normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient was specified to 2.5·10−8 W cm−1 Hz−0.5. The stability of the signal was investigated over time and a slight drift by 1‰ was observed after 30 min without temperature stabilizing the photoacoustic cell (PAC). Noise analysis was performed by means of Allan deviation and the inverse dependency of response time and precision of the system on the lock-in time constant was outlined. We performed interference analyses towards N2, O2, CO2, H2O and acoustic noise, respectively. Although neither spectral interferences nor losses due to slow NO2 VT-relaxation were observed, O2 was identified to cause a 15% signal drop due to VVNO2-O2-relaxation. Changing H2O concentrations were found to cause acoustic detuning, which cannot be compensated by adjusting the frequency of modulation, because of the double-resonant feature of the PAC. However, alternative approaches of compensation were discussed. Finally, we carried out heavy traffic noise simulations and determined the QEPAS setup to be 46 times less susceptible towards ambient noise compared to standard microphone-based photoacoustic setups. Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2017.09.039 VL - 255 IS - Part 3, February SP - 2462 EP - 2471 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Development and characterization of a laboratory setup for photoacoustic NO2 determination based on the excitation of electronic 2B2 and 2B1 states using a low-cost semiconductor laser JF - Sensors and Actuators A: Physical N2 - This work gives a detailed characterization of a laboratory setup for photoacoustic NO2 trace gas detection at the ppb level. The signal generation is based on the excitation of electronic 2B2 and 2B1 states using a low-cost semiconductor laser emitting at 450 nm. An acoustic resonator was used for signal amplification and the modulation frequency of the laser was determined to 3395 Hz in order to gain maximum signal amplification. The quality of resonant amplification was determined to 7.9. The gas samples were NO2 calibration gases diluted with pure nitrogen. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) dependency on the flow rate Q and the lock-in time constant τLIA was investigated, respectively, and the optimum values were specified to Q = 500 mL/min and τLIA = 2 s. In case of ambient noise, increasing τLIA to 10 s was evaluated as sufficient for SNR preservation. The noise level was measured in the absence of NO2 and it was determined to be composed of 51% electronic noise and 49% gas flow noise. With the analyte concentration ranging from 300 ppbV to 100 ppmV, the linear dependency of the photoacoustic amplitude on the NO2 concentration was specified, the sensitivity was determined to 110 μV/ppmV and the maximum measurement error was calculated to ±0.8%. The detection limit was determined to 2.0 ppbV. Furthermore, the stability of the signal was investigated and a maximum drift of ±1% was observed within a measuring period of 30 min. The response time τ90 was specified to 58 s. All results considered, this photoacoustic measuring system, which is based on low-cost signal generation and detection units, provides an excellent basis in view of developing a portable device for photoacoustic trace gas detection. Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2017.03.024 VL - 258 SP - 193 EP - 200 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam, Niederlande ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Low-cost photoacoustic NO2 trace gas monitoring at the pptV-level JF - Sensors and Actuators A: Physical N2 - We present the development and the characterization of a photoacoustic NO2 trace gas detection system. The system is based on the implementation of low-cost components, i.e. a mass-produced blue diode laser and a standard MEMS microphone which is commonly built into smartphones, for example. An optimized cell design was realized by means of 3D printing. The linearity of the photoacoustic signal dependency on the analyte concentration was verified from 200 ppbV to 100 ppmV NO2. The detection limit (1σ) was determined to 33 pptV and the normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient was calculated to 7.0 ∙ 10−10 W cm−1 Hz−1/2. The dynamic range of the system was verified to be linear over three magnitudes of order and the sensitivity was calculated to 814 μV/ppmV. The system was characterized in view of optimal operating parameters, i.e. lock-in time constant τLIA and total mass flow rate, optical performance and signal stability. The mass flow dependend response time of the system was specified to 19 s and an idealized step response to a quasi-Heaviside step function was quantified as a function of τLIA. The quality factor of acoustic resonance was determined to 21.9 and an empirical expression regarding acoustic node shifting is provided. The expression takes into account the radius of the resonator pipe and the radius of the hole, which was drilled into the pipe for microphone coupling. Furthermore, we studied the cross-sensitivity of the photoacoustic signal towards H2O and CO2, respectively. Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2017.06.036 VL - 263 SP - 501 EP - 509 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam, Niederlande ER - TY - GEN A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Development of a sensor system for analysis of human breath exhale T2 - BayWISS Herbstakademie 2018, Plankstetten N2 - Atemgasanalyse ist ein junges und vielversprechendes Feld im Bereich der diagnostischen Medizin. Der Ansatz verspricht einfach zugängliche und leicht wiederholbare Probennahme die zum einen non-invasiv ist und zugleich Rückschlüsse auf Vorgänge im menschlichen Körper und bspw. dessen Gesundheitszustand zulässt. Seit Ende des 20. Jahrhunderts gibt es Massenspektrometer die es ermöglicht haben mehrere Tausend verschiedene Stoffe in der Ausatemluft nachzuweisen. Diese Technologien verbessern sich stetig und ermöglichen es die Vorgänge und Zusammenhänge zwischen Zusammensetzung der Ausatemluft und systemischen Prozessen besser zu verstehen. Die bei Studien mit Massenspektrometern ermittelten Biomarker, deren qualitative und quantitative Detektion Gesundheitsdiagnosen ermöglichen, haben aber noch nicht den Weg in den klinischen Alltag gefunden. Das Problem sind meistens die hohen Anschaffungskosten, komplizierte Datenauswertung und zumeist geringe Verfügbarkeit und Immobilität dieser Messgeräte. Die photoakustische Spektroskopie ist eine selektive und hochsensitive Messmethode, die es ermöglichen soll den Biomarker „Aceton“, der grundsätzlich die Metabolisierung von Fetten widerspiegelt, schnell und reproduzierbar quantitativ zu detektieren. Dabei müssen Hindernisse wie Querempfindlichkeiten, ausgelöst durch die komplexe Zusammensetzung der Messmatrix Atemgas, bei gleichzeitig kleine Aceton Konzentrationen (200-800 parts-per-billion) überwunden werden. Verschiedene Wellenlängenbereiche mit unterschiedlichen Lichtquellen, akustisch resonante sowie innovative Messzellendesigns und anspruchsvolle Datenauswertung mittels komplexer Algorithmik sind nötig um das Ziel, die Entwicklung eines kompakten, günstigen und zuverlässigen Acetonsensors, zu erreichen. Y1 - 2018 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - van der Weerd, Bastiaan A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - Trends in Electrochemical Sensing of Blood Gases JF - Bioanalytical Reviews N2 - The monitoring of partial pressures of the blood gases carbon dioxide (pCO2) and oxygen (pO2) is of great importance in clinical diagnostics. The measure of pCO2 and pO2 provides essential information about the patient’s metabolism, gas exchange, ventilation, and acid–base homeostasis. The conventional electrochemical methods for clinical blood gas analysis are based on the potentiometric Severinghaus sensor for carbon dioxide and the amperometric Clark sensor for oxygen. These techniques are well established and are only shortly discussed in this overview. However, in recent years a variety of modifications of these classical sensor concepts and new approaches of electrochemical sensing of pCO2 and pO2 have been introduced. This review summarizes recent developments in this field and discusses the potential for future applications in clinical blood gas analysis. KW - Blood gas analysis KW - Noninvasive blood gas sensor KW - Electrochemical sensor KW - Clinical analysis Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/11663_2016_1 VL - 6 SP - 263 EP - 280 PB - Springer CY - Berlin ER -