Integrated laser isotopic analysers for breath analysis

Using hollow waveguide hybrid optical integration, the group develops miniaturized mid-infrared laser absorption spectrometers for isotopologue ratio analysis. One of this laser analyzer is currently explored for non invasive biomarker analysis in breath, in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London. The current project focuses on capturing evolution of the isotope ratio 13C to 12C in exhaled breath as a biomarker. At the core of the isotopic analyser is an encapsulated optical system that occupies a volume of 158 × 60 × 30 mm³ and requires a low sample volume (56 µL) to conduct analysis. In addition to the instrument hardware, the measurement chain has been developed to ensure robust error propagation analysis, from spectral inversion to calibration errors. The analyzer achieves a precision of 0.2‰ in 500 s integration. Pre-clinical trials are currently on-going.