Abstract
This paper describes a fluorescence technique for the detection of sub-ppm-concentrations of formaldehyde in air at atmospheric pressure. The aldehyde is excited by a frequency doubled tunable dye laser covering the 320–345-nm wavelength range. The fluorescence intensity, measured at right angles through a 400-nm cutoff filter, is proportional to the formaldehyde concentration in air. Interferences by NO2 and SO2 are negligible. The detection limit of the system is 5 pphm at present, in good agreement with an estimate of the fluorescence yield in 1 atm of air. A considerable increase of the sensitivity is possible, and the use of this technique for measuring formaldehyde in ambient air in the ppb concentration range is projected.
© 1975 Optical Society of America
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