TY - JOUR A1 - Pangerl, Jonas A1 - Müller, Max A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Characterizing a sensitive compact mid-infrared photoacoustic sensor for methane, ethane and acetylene detection considering changing ambient parameters and bulk composition (N2, O2 and H2O) JF - Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical N2 - We present a sensitive and compact interband cascade laser (ICL) based photoacoustic setup for the detection of gaseous hydrocarbons and discuss its applicability towards trace gas analysis. We investigated the performance of the sensor for trace concentrations of methane, ethane and acetylene diluted in nitrogen. The excitation of methane and ethane was accomplished using one tunable diode laser, covering a range from 3360 to 3372 nm, which was replaced by a separate ICL at 3025 nm for acetylene detection. The influence of ambient parameters such as temperature, flow rate and pressure as well as potential cross-sensitivities towards O2 and H2O have been examined in terms of methane and acetylene detection. A series of simulations proved several of these influences to be attributed to relaxation effects. With a 3σ limit of detection (LoD) of 6.8 parts per billion (ppbV) in case of methane, 2.3 ppbV regarding ethane and 3.6 ppbV in terms of acetylene, the sensor demonstrates a great potential for applications in the field of trace gas analysis. KW - Acetylene KW - Cross-sensitivities KW - Ethane KW - Interband cascade laser KW - Methane KW - Photoacoustic spectroscopy KW - Relaxation effects Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-25868 N1 - Corresponding author: Jonas Pangerl VL - 352,1 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Max A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Jobst, Simon A1 - Pangerl, Jonas A1 - Weigl, Stefan A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - An Algorithmic Approach to Compute the Effect of Non-Radiative Relaxation Processes in Photoacoustic Spectroscopy JF - Photoacoustics N2 - Successful transfer of photoacoustic gas sensors from laboratory to real-life applications requires knowledge about potential cross-sensitivities towards environmental and gas matrix changes. Multi-dimensional calibration in case of cross-sensitivities can become very complex or even unfeasible. To address this challenge, we present a novel algorithm to compute the collision based non-radiative efficiency and phase lag of energy relaxation on a molecular level (CoNRad) for photoacoustic signal calculation. This algorithmic approach allows to calculate the entire elaxation cascade of arbitrarily complex systems, yielding a theoretical photoacoustic signal. In this work the influence of varying bulk compositions, i.e. nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) on the photoacoustic signal during methane (CH4) detection is demonstrated. The applicability of the algorithm to other photoacoustic setups is shown exemplary by applying it to the relaxational system investigated in [1]. Hayden et al. examined the effect of water on photoacoustic carbon monoxide (CO) detection. Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-39935 N1 - Corresponding author: Max Müller VL - 26 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Scherer, Leo A1 - Vitzthumecker, Thomas A1 - Bierl, Rudolf ED - Uhl, Christian ED - Walter, Michael ED - Stiehl, Annika T1 - Capacitive PCB sensor for the detection of insects in intelligent traps T2 - Applied Research Conference 2022 Conference Proceedings: 4th July 2022, University of Applied Sciences Ansbach (Onsite Conference) N2 - Reliable and fast detection of pest in the food processing and pharmaceutical industry is crucial to ensure hygienically safe, pure and healthy products. This is why intelligent traps, that are able to detect insects automatically are needed. For this, a capacitive PCB sensor is developed and tested, which could be a simplistic, low power solution to the problem. This includes design, footprint generation and simulation as well as testing different types of capacitve sensing against noise immunity and sensitivity to Blattella germanica, the German cockroach. It is shown that a single specimen can very well and reliably be detected by the developed sensor. KW - PCB layout generation KW - insect monitoring KW - pest detection KW - Capacitive sensing Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-55837 SP - 519 EP - 523 PB - Hochschule Ansbach CY - Ansbach ER - TY - GEN A1 - van der Weerd, Bastiaan A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael T1 - A Conductivity Probe for Determination of the Carbon Dioxide Tension at the Oxygenator Exhaust Outlet during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) T2 - Proceedings of the 9th ISC Modern Analytical Chemistry 2013, Prag Y1 - 2013 UR - https://www.gdch.de/fileadmin/downloads/Veranstaltungen/Tagungen/2014_Tagungen/analytica/poster_abstracts/sens03_vanderweerd_5860.pdf ER - TY - GEN A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Hofmann, Matthias A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Development of a miniaturized photoacoustic multigas sensing system for trace gas measurement T2 - 17th International Conference on Photoacoustic and Photothermal Phenomena, Oct. 20-24, 2013, Suzhou China Y1 - 2013 UR - https://www.gdch.de/fileadmin/downloads/Veranstaltungen/Tagungen/2014_Tagungen/analytica/poster_abstracts/sens05_rueck_5925.pdf ER - TY - GEN A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Development of a miniaturized photoacoustic multigas sensing system for trace gas measurement T2 - analytica conference 2014, 1. bis 4. April, München Y1 - 2014 UR - https://www.gdch.de/fileadmin/downloads/Veranstaltungen/Tagungen/2014_Tagungen/analytica/poster_abstracts/sens05_rueck_5925.pdf ER - TY - GEN A1 - Rück, Thomas A1 - Matysik, Frank-Michael A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Comparison of acoustic detectors for use in miniaturized photoacoustic devices designed for nitrogen dioxide trace gas measurement T2 - ANAKON, 23.-26.3.2015, Graz Y1 - 2015 ER - 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 - Hausler, Peter A1 - Holzner, Lukas A1 - Ehrnsperger, Matthias A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Evaluation of the creep strength of samples produced by fused deposition modeling JF - Open Engineering N2 - Data sheets for 3D printing materials typically include softening temperature, impact strength, tensile strength, and stiffness. However, creep strength, an important parameter for components used over an extended period, is usually not included. Nevertheless, this parameter is of significant importance for components that are used over an extended period of time.This study compares the long-term creep behavior of a selection of materials that are commonly used in fused deposition modeling 3D printing. The materials under investigation are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polylactic acid, and polycarbonate. In addition, the influence of fiber reinforcements on these materials is also examined. A simple, reproducible test procedure is proposed for users to determine and compare creep resistance of materials. This enables developers to select materials suitable for their own requirements on creep resistance and allows 3D-printing users to compare different materials. Results suggest that fiber reinforcement generally improves creep stability in 3D-printing materials, with GreenTEC Pro Carbon and add:north PC Blend HT LCF showing the most promise in this study. Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-79760 N1 - Corresponding author der OTH Regensburg: Peter Hausler VL - 14 IS - 1 PB - de Gruyter ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Reinker, Lukas A1 - Bläsing, Dominic A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Ulbricht, Sabina A1 - Dendorfer, Sebastian T1 - Correlation of Acceleration Curves in Gravitational Direction for Different Body Segments during High-Impact Jumping Exercises JF - sensors N2 - Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age. However, in many cases, it can be very well prevented and counteracted with physical activity, especially high-impact exercises. Wearables have the potential to provide data that can help with continuous monitoring of patients during therapy phases or preventive exercise programs in everyday life. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of measured acceleration data at different body positions compared to accelerations at the pelvis during different jumping exercises. Accelerations at the hips have been investigated in previous studies with regard to osteoporosis prevention. Data were collected using an IMU-based motion capture system (Xsens) consisting of 17 sensors. Forty-nine subjects were included in this study. The analysis shows the correlation between impacts and the corresponding drop height, which are dependent on the respective exercise. Very high correlations (0.83–0.94) were found between accelerations at the pelvis and the other measured segments at the upper body. The foot sensors provided very weak correlations (0.20–0.27). Accelerations measured at the pelvis during jumping exercises can be tracked very well on the upper body and upper extremities, including locations where smart devices are typically worn, which gives possibilities for remote and continuous monitoring of programs. KW - osteoporosis KW - inertial measurement units KW - wearable motion-tracking sensors KW - high-impact exercisess Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-58217 N1 - Corresponding author: Lukas Reinker N1 - This work was supported by the Bavarian Academic Forum [BayWISS-Verbundkolleg Gesundheit] and the DHZK fond for behavioral cardiovascular diseases [Behaviorale kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen; grand number: 81Z0400105]. VL - 23 IS - 4 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Boehm, M. A1 - Fraunhoffer, Judith A1 - Gardeia, Armin A1 - Mottok, Jürgen A1 - Schneider, Ralph A1 - Streubel, J. T1 - “Regensburger Modell zu den P-Seminaren” – Ein Konzept zur Gestaltung der Schnittstelle Gymnasium – Hochschule und zur Praxis einer kooperativen Lehr-Lern-Didaktik für Informationstechnik T2 - 3rd Embedded Software Engineering Congress, 7. bis 9. Dezember, Sindelfingen Y1 - 2010 PB - Vogel Business Media CY - Würzburg 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 - CHAP A1 - Hausler, Peter A1 - Jobst, Simon A1 - Fischer, Johannes A1 - Roth, Carina A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - Homogeneous Light Source for Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging T2 - PHOTOPTICS 2020: proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology, Valletta, Malta, February 27-29, 2020 N2 - We describe how to build a homogeneous light source for Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRi) which mainly finds its applications in pharmaceutical screening and biotechnology so far. SPR spectroscopy is a label-free, non-destructive and highly sensitive measurement principle for detecting changes in the refractive index in close vicinity of a gold surface. A transfer of this technology to a miniaturized sensor will broaden the range of possible applications. Commercial SPR assays are mainly working with a small number of sensing spots. In contrast, the SPR imaging system shown here will allow the use of an array of many sensing spots. In combination with chemical receptors designed as an artificial nose or an electronic tongue, the simultaneous detection of many analytes is envisioned. So far, lasers or other inhomogeneous light sources were used to illuminate the sensing surface, which is decreasing the systems sensitivity. We show a compact ( 300mm2) homogeneous top hat profile. The combination of a high bit-resolution camera with our new light source enables a reflectivity based surface plasmon resonance imaging system with a high refractive index unit (RIU) resolution. KW - Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy KW - Sensor KW - SPR-imaging KW - Miniaturization KW - Micro-opto-electro-mechanical Systems Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.5220/0009168701630167 SP - 163 EP - 167 PB - SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Gschossmann, Andreas A1 - Jobst, Simon A1 - Mottok, Jürgen A1 - Bierl, Rudolf T1 - A Measure of Confidence of Artificial Neural Network Classifiers T2 - ARCS Workshop 2019; 32nd International Conference on Architecture of Computing Systems, 20-21 May 2019, Copenhagen, Denmark N2 - Confidence in results of an Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is increased by preferring to reject data, that is not trustful, instead of risking a misclassification. For this purpose a model is proposed that is able to recognize data, which differs significantly from the training data, during inference. The proposed model observes all activations of the hidden layers, as well as input and output layers of an ANN in a grey-box view. To make ANNs more robust in safety critical applications, this model can be used to reject flawed data, that is suspected to decrease the accuracy of the model. If this information is logged during inference, it can be used to improve the model, by training it specifically with the missing information. An experiment on the MNIST dataset is conducted and its results are discussed. Y1 - 2019 UR - https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8836211 SP - 153 EP - 157 PB - VDE-Verlag CY - Berlin ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Romano, Marco A1 - Micklitz, Matthias A1 - Olbrich, Florian A1 - Bierl, Rudolf A1 - Ehrlich, Ingo A1 - Gebbeken, Norbert T1 - Experimental investigation of damping properties of unidirectionally and fabric reinforces plastics by the free decay method T2 - Proceeding of the 15th International Materials Symposium (IMSP´2014), Pamukkale University (Denizli, Turkey), 15./17. October 2014 Y1 - 2014 SP - 665 EP - 679 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 -