NO2 Sensor Based on Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy Using Ring Array Permanent Magnets

Faraday rotation spectroscopy (FRS) exploits the magneto-optical effect to achieve highly selective and sensitive detection of paramagnetic molecules. Usually, a solenoid coil is used to provide a longitudinal magnetic field to produce the magneto-optical effect. However, such a method has the disadvantages of excessive power consumption and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. In the present work, a novel FRS approach based on a combination of a neodymium iron boron permanent magnet ring array and a Herriott multipass absorption cell is proposed. A longitudinal magnetic field was generated by using 14 identical neodymium iron boron permanent magnet rings combined in a non-equidistant form according to their magnetic field's spatial distribution characteristics. The average magnetic field strength within a length of 380 mm was 346 gauss. A quantum cascade laser was used to target the optimum 441 <- 440 Q-branch nitrogen dioxide transition at 1613.25 cm-1 (6.2 mu m) with an optical power of 40 mW. Coupling to a Herriott multipass absorption cell, a minimum detection limit of 0.4 ppb was achieved with an integration time of 70 s. The low-power FRS nitrogen dioxide sensor proposed in this work is expected to be developed into a robust field-deployable environment monitoring system.

Automated summary

Faraday rotation spectroscopy (FRS) is used to detect paramagnetic molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity. A novel FRS approach based on a combination of neodymium iron boron permanent magnet rings and a Herriott multipass absorption cell is proposed in this study. By using 14 identical magnet rings combined in a non-equidistant form, a longitudinal magnetic field is generated. With the combination of a quantum cascade laser and a Herriott multipass absorption cell, a minimum detection limit of 0.4 ppb is achieved.