This is a past event.

Tadeusz Stacewicz of the University of Warsaw will be presenting at the next Physics Colloquium. Please join the in-person presentation at 4:00 p.m. Thursday (September 15) in Fisher Hall 139.

Abstract:

Detection of trace gases is important for many human activities: from the monitoring of industrial and agriculture processes through the investigation of their environmental impact to the medical diagnostics by the measurement of biomarkers concentration in the breath. Therefore, searching for novel methods of gases analysis is desirable. The lecture will address the sensors based on the optical methods. We have witnessed the rapid development of these detectors due to tremendous progress in laser spectroscopy and optoelectronics. Such devices could be sensitive, selective, simple in maintenance and inexpensive. Ultrasensitive techniques of trace matter detection as in Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) and multi-pass spectroscopy will be discussed during the lecture. These methods were used in the sensors designed and built in our laboratory for different applications.  For example:

• NO2 sensor with blue laser was developed for air purity monitoring and for the explosives detection;
• NIR sensors of NO, OCS, C2H6, H2 CO, NH3, CH4 and CO were elaborated for recognition of biomarkers occurring in the air exhaled from human lungs. These compounds can be related to certain diseases when occurring in excess in the breath. Such sensors enable the detection of diseases at early stage.
•  Laser hygrometers will be presented as well. These instruments are of great importance in geophysical research.

Bio:

Dr. Tadeusz Stacewicz is a professor in the Department of Physics, University of Warsaw (Poland). His scientific interests are in the field of optics, laser spectroscopy, methods for trace matter detection, laser-generated plasma, and LIDAR techniques. Presently his work is focused on disease biomarkers detection in breath with optical methods. Among the laboratory techniques he uses in his research are ultrasensitive laser absorption methods, like CRDS and multi-pass spectroscopy. His list of publications contains about 140 scientific papers, 187 conference communications and 33 invited conference talks as well as 5 books and 4 patents.