In situ vehicle engine exhaust measurements of nitric oxide with a thermoelectrically cooled, cw DFB quantum cascade laser

Abstract

This paper describes the application of a thermoelectrically cooled, continuous wave (cw), single mode distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) to the real-time, in situ vehicle engine exhaust monitoring of nitric oxide. Experiments have been carried out on a static gasoline engine test bed where the engine operating conditions can be varied in a controlled manner. Results show the response of the nitric oxide concentration to engine conditions. The prospects for further multispecies in situ measurements are discussed. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.