Demonstration of a signal enhanced fast Raman sensor for human breath analysis

Abstract

A gas sensor based on spontaneous Raman scattering is proposed for the compositional analysis of single breath events and for an anesthesia simulation under clinical relevant conditions. A description of the sensor as well as a comprehensive characterization of the system is carried out in order to determine the measurement uncertainty. Finally, the sensor is applied to consecutive breath events and allowed measurements with 250 ms time resolution. The Raman sensor is able to detect all the major gas components, i.e. N2, O2, CO2, and H2O at ambient pressure with a high temporal resolution. Also the volatile anesthetic agents N2O, sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane were detected during a simulated anesthesia procedure. Concentration fluctuations within a single breath event could be resolved.