Author
Passarelli, Alec
Other Contributors
Oehlschlaeger, Matthew A.; Borca-Tasçiuc, Theodorian; Anderson, Kurt S.;
Date Issued
2022-05
Subject
Mechanical engineering
Degree
MS;
Terms of Use
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
Abstract
Rotational absorption spectroscopy for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is characterized in the
220-330 GHz frequency range using a robust electronic THz-wave spectrometer, for the
development of THz gas sensing for this compound of commercial relevance. DMSO is a common
solvent used in many food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing applications, and can present
danger to human health and the work environment; hence, remote gas sensors for DMSO
environmental and process monitoring are desired. Absorption measurements were carried out for
pure DMSO at 297 K and 0.4 Torr. DMSO was shown to have a unique rotational fingerprint with
series of repeating absorption features. The frequencies of transitions observed in the present study
are found to be in good agreement with prior experimental work and spectral simulations based on
rotational parameters. The sensor developed here exhibits a detection limit of 1.3-2.6 x 1015 DMSO
molecules/cm3 per meter of absorption pathlength, with the potential for greater sensitivity with
signal-to-noise improvements. The study illustrates the potential of all electronic THz-wave
systems for miniaturized remote gas sensors;
Description
May 2022; School of Engineering
Department
Dept. of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering;
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
Access
Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students in accordance with the
Rensselaer Standard license. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;
