Using Frequency Combs to Detect Molecules in Your Breath

​A team of physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a groundbreaking laser-based device capable of analyzing gas samples to identify a vast array of molecules at extremely low concentrations, down to parts per trillion. Their findings were recently published in Nature. 

This innovative sensor utilizes a frequency comb laser, which simultaneously emits pulses of light across thousands to millions of colors, allowing it to detect the unique absorption fingerprints of various gas molecules. The device's design is both efficient and cost-effective, making it suitable for diverse applications, including medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

In practical demonstrations, the researchers analyzed human breath samples and successfully identified the types of bacteria present in the subjects' mouths. This capability suggests the potential for the sensor to diagnose conditions such as lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through non-invasive breath analysis. The development of this sensor builds upon nearly three decades of research into quantum physics at CU Boulder and NIST, particularly advancements in frequency comb laser technology. 

Read the full story at CU Boulder Today.