Unfolding perfumes using an optoelectronic nose

Abstract

Every perfume is composed of different notes which describe its odor over time, from the top notes which contain the most volatile components to the base notes which are what remain once the fragrance has fully settled. In this study, we measure with an optoelectronic nose several perfumes over time to capture each step of their odor evolution. To put this idea into practice, we compare different perfumes at different moments of their evolution. We show that the differentiation of two products can be quite difficult at the very beginning of the fragrance release but becomes easier with time.