Ultra-sensitive multi-species spectroscopic breath analysis for real-time health monitoring and diagnostics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a highly sensitive, real-time breath analysis technique using mid-infrared cavity-enhanced frequency comb spectroscopy, capable of detecting multiple biomarkers at parts-per-trillion levels for health monitoring.

Contribution

It introduces the first application of mid-IR CE-DFCS to breath analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers with ultra-high sensitivity.

Findings

Detected four breath biomarkers in real-time

Achieved parts-per-trillion detection sensitivity

Demonstrated potential to identify at least six additional biomarkers

Abstract

Breath analysis enables rapid, non-invasive diagnostics, as well as long-term monitoring, of human health through the identification and quantification of exhaled biomarkers. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of mid-infrared (mid-IR) cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy (CE-DFCS) applied to breath analysis. We simultaneously detect and monitor as a function of time four breath biomarkers - CH$_3$OH, CH$_4$, H$_2$O and HDO - as well as illustrating the feasibility of detecting at least six more (H$_2$CO, C$_2$H$_6$, OCS, C$_2$H$_4$, CS$_2$ and NH$_3$) without modifications to the experimental apparatus. We achieve ultra-high detection sensitivity at the parts-per-trillion level. This is made possible by the combination of the broadband spectral coverage of a frequency comb, the high spectral resolution afforded by the individual comb teeth, and the sensitivity enhancement resulting from a high-finesse cavity. Exploiting recent advances in frequency comb, optical coating, and photodetector technologies, we can access a large variety of biomarkers with strong carbon-hydrogen bond spectral signatures in the mid-IR.