Device for Spectroscopic Analysis of a Gas

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing the concentration of specific gases—especially isotopes like 13CO2—in gaseous samples (such as exhaled breath) using infrared spectroscopy. The device uses a radiation source (like a quantum cascade laser), a sample chamber with continuous flow, detectors, and a sophisticated optical system to precisely measure the absolute concentration of the target gas or isotope in real time. This allows for highly accurate, time-resolved, and isotope-specific gas analysis, particularly beneficial in medical diagnostics like breath tests for organ function or disease detection.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical breath tests for liver function assessment using 13C-labeled substrates (e.g., methacetin test)
• Diagnosis and monitoring of metabolic or enzymatic disorders (e.g., lactase deficiency) via breath analysis
• Real-time measurement of gastric emptying by monitoring metabolized substrates in exhaled air
• Detection and quantification of specific microbial infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori) in the gastrointestinal tract
• General laboratory analysis of gas concentrations or isotopic ratios in research settings
• Monitoring anesthesia gases or other respiratory parameters in clinical settings

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables absolute (not just relative) concentration measurement of target gases or isotopes, improving diagnostic accuracy
• Provides real-time, time-resolved analysis for tracking rapid physiological or metabolic changes
• Highly specific for particular isotopes (e.g., 13CO2) with minimal interference from other gases
• Compact and portable design allows use directly at the patient bedside or in the field
• Reduced susceptibility to environmental fluctuations or carrier gas effects compared to prior art
• Continuous flow sampling supports ongoing monitoring rather than batch or spot-check measurements
• Enables earlier, more precise detection and monitoring of diseases affecting organ function

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for spectroscopically analysing a gas, said apparatus having at least one radiation source (1), at least one detection apparatus (12; 20), at least one sample chamber (13) and a system of optical elements (4; 5; 6; 7; 9; 10; 11; 18; 19) which is intended and set up to direct at least part (3b) of the radiation (3) emitted by the radiation source (1) through the sample chamber (13) onto the detection apparatus (20), wherein the sample chamber (13) is used to hold a gaseous sample which contains the gas to be analysed, and wherein the apparatus is configured in such a manner that the sample can continuously flow through the sample chamber (13), and means (16) are provided for the purpose of determining the pressure and/or the volume and/or the concentration of the sample in the sample chamber (13). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for spectroscopically analysing a gas.