| abstract |
An apparatus and method for continuously detecting oxygen in a carrier gas stream. The apparatus employs a sensor film comprising a fluorescent material emitting from 3000 - 8000 A, dissolved in a carrier or solvent, the film being supported on a suitable substrate. Exciting radiation of about 2000 - 6500 A is applied to the film causing the fluorescent material to emit. Oxygen contained in the gas stream is rapidly dissolved into, and purged out of the film. The dissolved oxygen will quench the fluorescent emission, and the extent of quenching is proportional to the oxygen content of the gas stream. The dissolving and purging cycle occurs with sufficient speed to enable the oxygen analysis of breath to be determined on a real time basis. |