Michal Nikodem

Methods of Sensors Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years there has been a growing interest in wireless sensor networks (WSN) applications. Such sensor networks can be used to control temperature, humidity, contamination, pollution etc. Self-organization and routing algorithms dedicated to wireless sensor networks usually assume that sensors absolute positions are unknown and all decisions are based on sensors own local information. This assumption makes wireless sensor networks more flexible and energy conserve because making decisions locally is faster and energy efficient. But sooner or later sensors positions have to be found (when sensor sends a message about some event we of course would like to know where this event takes place). In this paper we describe different solutions of finding transceivers positions in wireless networks and we discuss localization in wireless sensor networks. We propose to transfer localization function from base stations to every sensor. We evaluate presented method using simulations

Chirped Laser Dispersion Spectroscopy for Remote Open-Path Trace-Gas Sensing

In this paper we present a prototype instrument for remote open-path detection of nitrous oxide. The sensor is based on a 4.53 μm quantum cascade laser and uses the chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) technique for molecular concentration measurements. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of open-path laser-based trace-gas detection using a molecular dispersion measurement. The prototype sensor achieves a detection limit down to the single-ppbv level and exhibits excellent stability and robustness. The instrument characterization, field deployment performance, and the advantages of applying dispersion sensing to sensitive trace-gas detection in a remote open-path configuration are presented.

Chirped lasers dispersion spectroscopy implemented with single- and dual-sideband electro-optical modulators

We report new approaches for signal generation in Chirped Laser Dispersion Spectroscopy (CLaDS). Two optical arrangements based on electro-optical modulators significantly reduce CLaDS system complexity and enable optimum performance when applied to detection of GHz-wide molecular transitions. Proof-of-principle experiments in the near-infrared spectral range are presented and potential strategies for application in the mid-infrared are discussed.

Shot-noise Limited Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy for Detection of Nitric Oxide Isotopes in Breath, Urine, and Blood

Measurement of NO and/or its metabolites in the various body compartments has transformed our understanding of biology. The inability of the current NO measurement methods to account for naturally occurring and experimental NO isotopes, however, has prevented the scientific community from fully understating NO metabolism in vivo. Here we present a mid-IR Faraday rotation spectrometer (FRS) for detection of NO isotopes. The instrument utilizes a novel dual modulation/demodulation (DM) FRS method which exhibits noise performance at only 2 times the fundamental quantum shot-noise level and provides the record sensitivity in its class. This is achieved with a system that is fully autonomous, robust, transportable, and does not require cryogenic cooling. The DM-FRS enables continuous monitoring of nitric oxide isotopes with the detection limits of 3.72 ppbv/Hz1/2 to14NO and 0.53 ppbv/Hz1/2 to15NO using only 45 cm active optical path. This DM-FRS measurement method can be used to improve the performance of conventional FRS sensors targeting other radical species. The feasibility of the instrument to perform measurements relevant to studies of NO metabolism in humans is demonstrated.

Signal-to-noise ratio in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy

Quantitative studies and experimental validation of noise sources occurring in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) are reported. Their impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable with the CLaDS sensing method is analyzed through a noise model supported by experimental results. In particular the model shows that the SNR is optimal for a given value of the laser chirp rate. The experimental studies are conducted with a quantum cascade laser operating at 5.2 µm for the detection of nitric oxide. Optical fringing has been found to be a significant non-random source of noise and an effective reduction method that can improve the SNR is also discussed.

Measuring optically thick molecular samples using chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy.

In this Letter, a dispersion-based gas sensing method applied to detection of optically thick samples is presented. We show that chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) technique provides perfectly linear signal response over a wide range of target analyte concentrations. Using the most convenient chirp-modulated CLaDS detection scheme, it enables spectroscopic measurements in a line-locked mode from the minimum detection limit up to >99% peak molecular absorption.

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy using a directly modulated quantum cascade laser

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) utilizing direct modulation of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) is presented. By controlling the laser bias nearly single- and dual-sideband CLaDS operation can be realized in an extremely simplified optical setup with no external optical modulators. Capability of direct single-sideband modulation is a unique feature of QCLs that exhibit a low linewidth enhancement factor. The developed analytical model shows excellent agreement with the experimental, directly modulated CLaDS spectra. This method overcomes major technical limitations of mid-infrared CLaDS systems by allowing significantly higher modulation frequencies and eliminating optical fringes introduced by external modulators.

Molecular dispersion spectroscopy – new capabilities in laser chemical sensing

Laser spectroscopic techniques suitable for molecular dispersion sensing enable new applications and strategies in chemical detection. This paper discusses the current state of the art and provides an overview of recently developed chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS)–based techniques. CLaDS and its derivatives allow for quantitative spectroscopy of trace gases and enable new capabilities, such as extended dynamic range of concentration measurements, high immunity to photodetected intensity fluctuations, or capability of direct processing of spectroscopic signals in optical domain. Several experimental configurations based on quantum cascade lasers and examples of molecular spectroscopic data are presented to demonstrate capabilities of molecular dispersion spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared spectral region.

High frequency modulation capabilities and quasi single-sideband emission from a quantum cascade laser.

Both intensity- (IM) and frequency-modulation (FM) behavior of a directly modulated quantum cascade laser (QCL) are measured from 300 Hz to 1.7 GHz. Quantitative measurements of tuning coefficients has been performed and the transition from thermal- to electronic-tuning is clearly observed. A very specific FM behavior of QCLs has been identified which allows for optical quasi single sideband (SSB) modulation through current injection and has not been observed in directly modulated semiconductor lasers before. This predestines QCLs in applications where SSB is required, such as telecommunication or high speed spectroscopy. The experimental procedure and theoretical modeling for data extraction is discussed.

Cryogen-free heterodyne-enhanced mid-infrared Faraday rotation spectrometer

A new detection method for Faraday rotation spectra of paramagnetic molecular species is presented. Near shot-noise limited performance in the mid-infrared is demonstrated using a heterodyne enhanced Faraday rotation spectroscopy (H-FRS) system without any cryogenic cooling. Theoretical analysis is performed to estimate the ultimate sensitivity to polarization rotation for both heterodyne and conventional FRS. Sensing of nitric oxide (NO) has been performed with an H-FRS system based on thermoelectrically cooled 5.24 μm quantum cascade laser (QCL) and a mercury-cadmium-telluride photodetector. The QCL relative intensity noise that dominates at low frequencies is largely avoided by performing the heterodyne detection in radio frequency range. H-FRS exhibits a total noise level of only 3.7 times the fundamental shot noise. The achieved sensitivity to polarization rotation of 1.8 × 10(-8) rad/Hz(1/2) is only 5.6 times higher than the ultimate theoretical sensitivity limit estimated for this system. The path- and bandwidth-normalized NO detection limit of 3.1 ppbv-m/Hz(1/2) was achieved using the R(17/2) transition of NO at 1906.73 cm(-1).