Quantum Cascade Infrared Laser Spectroscopy for Real-Time Cigarette Smoke Analysis

Time-resolved online analysis of the gas- and particulate-phase of cigarette smoke generated by a heated tobacco product using vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry

We present a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamp-based photoionization time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer coupled with a capillary inlet and an aerodynamic lens to online analyze the chemical compositions of the gas- and particulate-phase of cigarette smoke of a heated tobacco product (HTP). Both phase compositions of the fresh cigarette smoke, without dilution and pretreatment, are softly photoionized and their mass spectra are measured with a time resolution of 1 s. It is shown that the gas-phase compositions with low mass are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the particulate-phase compositions are also clearly identified and cover the full mass range of the mass spectrometer. The time- or puff-by-puff resolved dynamic data are obtained for each species and provide abundant information to unravel the chemistry of the HTP smoke. In addition, the present results show that besides thermal vaporization, a couple of chemical reactions including pyrolysis and degradation have also occurred in the HTP smoking process, although its operation temperature is less than 350 °C. Even if not done here, this study paves the way to analyze the gas- and particulate-phase chemical compositions of a complex system in real time, like the cigarette smoke presented here, by using advanced soft ionization mass spectrometry.

Identification of Isobars and Isomers in Cigarette Sidestream Smoke in Real Time by Synchrotron Radiation Photoionization Mass Spectrometry and Multiple Linear Regression

Direct analysis of chemical components in fresh cigarette smoke in real time is a challenging task. In this work, by using a novel continuous cigarette-pushing and smoke-introducing setup combined with synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry (SR-PIMS), the photoionization mass spectra of fresh gaseous cigarette sidestream smoke (SSS) from the combustion of solid tobacco could be recorded in real time, and the photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves of each mass peak could be obtained for the first time. Hence, lots of well-known chemical components and even isomers could be identified by their discriminated onsets or PIE curve simulation. Moreover, diimine, 2H-azirine, and sulfur monoxide, which have never been reported in cigarette smoke, were observed in cigarette SSS, and even two intermediates, ethenol and propen-2-ol, anticipated to exist were actually observed and distinguished. To increase the qualification accuracy, a new simulation method based on multiple linear regression (MLR) was developed and applied for the PIE curve simulation, where qualification mistakes caused by subjective judgements could be eliminated as far as possible.

Time-resolved analysis of the emission of sidestream smoke (SSS) from cigarettes during smoking by photo ionisation/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-TOFMS): towards a better description of environmental tobacco smoke

In this study, the chemical composition of sidestream smoke (SSS) emissions of cigarettes are characterised using a laser-based single-photon ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometer. SSS is generated from various cigarette types (2R4F research cigarette; Burley, Oriental and Virginia single-tobacco-type cigarettes) smoked on a single-port smoking machine and collected using a so-called fishtail chimney device. Using this setup, a puff-resolved quantification of several SSS components was performed. Investigations of the dynamics of SSS emissions show that concentration profiles of various substances can be categorised into several groups, either depending on the occurrence of a puff or uninfluenced by the changes in the burning zone during puffing. The SSS emissions occurring directly after a puff strongly resemble the composition of mainstream smoke (MSS). In the smouldering phase, clear differences between MSS and SSS are observed. The changed chemical profiles of SSS and MSS might be also of importance on environmental tobacco smoke which is largely determined by SSS. Additionally, the chemical composition of the SSS is strongly affected by the tobacco type. Hence, the higher nitrogen content of Burley tobacco leads to the detection of increased amounts of nitrogen-containing substances in SSS.

Pyrolysis and combustion of tobacco in a cigarette smoking simulator under air and nitrogen atmosphere

A coupling between a cigarette smoking simulator and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer was constructed to allow investigation of tobacco smoke formation under simulated burning conditions. The cigarette smoking simulator is designed to burn a sample in close approximation to the conditions experienced by a lit cigarette. The apparatus also permits conditions outside those of normal cigarette burning to be investigated for mechanistic understanding purposes. It allows control of parameters such as smouldering and puff temperatures, as well as combustion rate and puffing volume. In this study, the system enabled examination of the effects of "smoking" a cigarette under a nitrogen atmosphere. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with a soft ionisation technique is expedient to analyse complex mixtures such as tobacco smoke with a high time resolution. The objective of the study was to separate pyrolysis from combustion processes to reveal the formation mechanism of several selected toxicants. A purposely designed adapter, with no measurable dead volume or memory effects, enables the analysis of pyrolysis and combustion gases from tobacco and tobacco products (e.g. 3R4F reference cigarette) with minimum aging. The combined system demonstrates clear distinctions between smoke composition found under air and nitrogen smoking atmospheres based on the corresponding mass spectra and visualisations using principal component analysis.

Microprobe sampling--photo ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry for in situ chemical analysis of pyrolysis and combustion gases: examination of the thermo-chemical processes within a burning cigarette

A microprobe sampling device (μ-probe) has been developed for in situ on-line photo ionization mass spectrometric analysis of volatile chemical species formed within objects consisting of organic matter during thermal processing. With this approach the chemical signature occurring during heating, pyrolysis, combustion, roasting and charring of organic material within burning objects such as burning fuel particles (e.g., biomass or coal pieces), lit cigarettes or thermally processed food products (e.g., roasting of coffee beans) can be investigated. Due to its dynamic changes between combustion and pyrolysis phases the cigarette smoking process is particularly interesting and has been chosen as first application. For this investigation the tip of the μ-probe is inserted directly into the tobacco rod and volatile organic compounds from inside the burning cigarette are extracted and real-time analyzed as the glowing front (or coal) approaches and passes the μ-probe sampling position. The combination of micro-sampling with photo ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-TOFMS) allows on-line intrapuff-resolved analysis of species formation inside a burning cigarette. Monitoring volatile smoke compounds during cigarette puffing and smoldering cycles in this way provides unparalleled insights into formation mechanisms and their time-dependent change. Using this technique the changes from pyrolysis conditions to combustion conditions inside the coal of a cigarette could be observed directly. A comparative analysis of species formation within a burning Kentucky 2R4F reference cigarette with μ-probe analysis reveals different patterns and behaviors for nicotine, and a range of semi-volatile aromatic and aliphatic species.

The ways to the trace level analysis in infrared spectroscopy

The future of infrared (IR) spectroscopy as an analytical technique is assured due to its versatility and its numerous advantages; such as the possibility to obtain molecular specific information for virtually any sample in any state with no treatment or minimal sample preparation. However, spectroscopists are not satisfied with relegating IR spectroscopy just to major and minor component analysis and have been looking at analysis at the trace level too. This review is the recognition of the brilliant research performed during the past two decades and the advances achieved in this area, which have made possible the analysis of contaminants at parts per billion (ppb) levels by IR in different matrices; such as water and soils.

Faraday modulation spectrometry of nitric oxide addressing its electronic X2Π - A2Σ+ band: II. Experiment

A first demonstration of Faraday modulation spectrometry (FAMOS) of nitric oxide (NO) addressing its strong electronic X(2)Π(ν″ = 0) - A(2)Σ(+)(ν(') = 0) band is presented. The instrumentation was constructed around a fully diode-laser-based laser system producing mW powers of ultraviolet light targeting the overlapping Q(22)(21/2) and R(12)Q(21/2) transitions at ∼226.6 nm. The work verifies a new two-transition model of FAMOS addressing the electronic transitions in NO given in an accompanying work. Although the experimental instrumentation could address neither the parameter space of the theory nor the optimum conditions, the line shapes and the pressure dependence could be verified under low-field conditions. NO could be detected down to a partial pressure of 13 µTorr, roughly corresponding to 10 ppb·m for an atmospheric pressure sample, which demonstrates the feasibility of FAMOS for sensitive detection of NO addressing its strong electronic band.

New insights into the formation of volatile compounds in mainstream cigarette smoke

A sampling system has been set up to monitor a group of volatile smoke analytes (nitric oxide, acetaldehyde, acetone, benzene, toluene, 1,3 butadiene, isoprene and carbon dioxide) from mainstream cigarette smoke on a puff-resolved basis. The system was able to record gas evolution profiles during puffing and interpuff periods without interruption (e.g. taking clearing puffs). Gas phase smoke analytes were sampled as close to the mouth end of the cigarette filter as possible in order to minimise any dead volume effect. The results revealed that, for some volatile species, a significant fraction (e.g. up to 30% for benzene) in the cigarette mainstream smoke had been generated during the preceding smoulder period. These species were trapped or absorbed within the cigarette rod and then subsequently eluted during the puff. The identification of the two sources of the mainstream smoke, a smouldering source and a puffing source, has not been reported before. The observation contributes to the fundamental knowledge of the cigarette smoke formation and may have implications on wider smoke chemistry and associated effects.

Detection of benzene and toluene gases using a midinfrared continuous-wave external cavity quantum cascade laser at atmospheric pressure

We demonstrate the application of a commercially available widely tunable continuous-wave external cavity quantum cascade laser as a spectroscopic source for the simultaneous detection of multiple gases. We measured broad absorption features of benzene and toluene between 1012 and 1063 cm(-1) (9.88 and 9.41 microm) at atmospheric pressure using an astigmatic Herriott multipass cell. Our results show experimental detection limits of 0.26 and 0.41 ppm for benzene and toluene, respectively, with a 100 m path length for these two gases.

Influence of filter ventilation on the chemical composition of cigarette mainstream smoke

Total yields of cigarette smoke constituents are greatly influenced by smoking behaviour, the tobacco blend as well as a variety of cigarette design parameters. Thereby, filter ventilation, i.e. diluting the smoke by providing a zone of microscopic holes around the circumference of the filter is one method to reduce the yield of 'tar' and other smoke compounds. However, little is known how these design variations influence the combustion conditions, and therefore, the overall chemical pattern of the smoke. In this paper single photon ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPI-TOFMS) is used to characterize and compare cigarettes on a puff-by-puff basis, which differ only in filter ventilation magnitude. The research cigarettes investigated were made from Virginia tobacco and featured filter ventilations of 0% (no ventilation), 35%, and 70%. The cigarettes were smoked under two different puffing regimes, one using the puffing parameters of the conventional International Organization for Standardization (ISO) smoking regime and a more intense smoking condition. Results show that every variation entails a change of the chemical pattern, whereby, in general, cigarettes with 0% filter ventilation as well as the intense smoking regime lead to a more complete combustion compared to the ISO smoking conditions and the high ventilated cigarettes. Changes in the overall patterns can also be observed during the smoking for individual puffs. Some substances dominate the first puff, some species are more pronounced in the middle puffs, whereas others are preferably formed in the last puffs. This demonstrates the high complexity of the occurring processes. Results might help to understand the formation and decomposition reactions taking place when a cigarette is smoked and offer scope for targeted reduction strategies for specific toxicants or groups of toxicants in the smoke.

Simultaneous on-line size and chemical analysis of gas phase and particulate phase of cigarette mainstream smoke

This paper describes the combined set-up of on-line chemical analysis of gas phase by single-photon ionisation/resonance enhanced multiphoton ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPI/REMPI-TOFMS) and on-line particle size analysis by differential electrical mobility particle spectrometry (DMS 500) for the investigation of fresh cigarette mainstream smoke. SPI is well suited for the investigation of a great variety of organic species, whereas REMPI is highly sensitive for aromatic compounds. Gas phase measurements of filtered and unfiltered smoke are possible with the SPI/REMPI-TOFMS in order to determine the influence of the presence of particles on the chemical composition of the gas phase. Initial results are shown for the characterisation and comparison of three pure Virginia tobacco research cigarettes having filter ventilations of 0%, i.e. no filter ventilation, 35% and 70% ventilation. The three cigarette types are smoked under two different smoking regimes, a standard regime using puff parameters equivalent to the conventional International Standard Organisation regime and a more intense smoking regime. For the gas phase, qualitative puff-by-puff resolved yields of three selected compounds (acetaldehyde, phenol and styrene) are shown and compared. For particulate matter, particle number, count median diameter and total surface area are illustrated on a puff-by-puff basis. Yields of the chemicals analysed, puff number and surface area are in good agreement with the intensity of the smoking regime and the dilution of smoke by filter ventilation. However, gaseous compounds are influenced differently, depending whether an absolute particle filter is present or not, i.e. they can be totally removed (phenol), partially removed (styrene) or not affected (acetaldehyde). For particle analysis, the count median diameter decreases from puff to puff and is strongly dependent on the smoking regime and ventilation rate. Thereby, 0% ventilated cigarettes smoked under the intense regime result in the smallest count median diameters of ca. 180 nm, whereas 70% ventilated cigarettes smoked with a standard regime lead to the largest values of up to 280 nm. As particle diameter increases, particle number decreases as a consequence of increasing time for particle coagulation.

Measurement of acrolein and 1,3-butadiene in a single puff of cigarette smoke using lead-salt tunable diode laser infrared spectroscopy

Acrolein and 1,3-butadiene in cigarette smoke generally are measured using two separate analytical methods, a carbonyl derivative HPLC method for acrolein and a volatile organic compound (VOC) GC/MS method for 1,3-butadiene. However, a single analytical method having improved sensitivity and real-time per puff measurement will offer more specific information for evaluating experimental carbon filtered cigarettes designed to reduce the smoke deliveries of these constituents. This paper describes an infrared technique using two lead-salt tunable diode lasers (TDLs) operating with liquid nitrogen cooling with emissions at 958.8 cm(-1) and 891.0 cm(-1) respectively for the simultaneous measurement of acrolein and 1,3-butadiene, respectively, in each puff of mainstream cigarette smoke in real time. The dual TDL system uses a 3.1l volume, 100 m astigmatic multiple pass absorption gas cell. Quantitation is based on a spectral fit that uses previously determined infrared molecular line parameters generated in our laboratory, including line positions, line strengths and nitrogen-broadened half-widths for these species. Since acrolein and ethylene absorption lines overlap and 1,3-butadiene, ethylene and propylene absorption lines overlap, the per puff deliveries of ethylene and propylene were determined since their overlapping absorption lines must be taken into account by the spectral fit. The acrolein and 1,3-butadiene total cigarette deliveries for the 1R5F Kentucky Reference cigarette were in agreement with the HPLC and GC/MS methods, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) for 1,3-butadiene and acrolein was 4 ng/puff and 24 ng/puff, respectively, which is more than adequate to determine at which puff they break through the carbon filter. The retention and breakthrough behavior for the two primary smoke constituents depend on the cigarette design and characteristics of the carbon filter being evaluated.

Intra-puff CO and CO2 measurements of cigarettes with iron oxide cigarette paper using quantum cascade laser spectroscopy

The objective of this research was to apply Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectroscopy (TILDAS) for measuring selected gaseous constituents in mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) smoke for experimental cigarettes designed to reduce MS CO using iron oxide cigarette papers. These two complimentary analytical techniques are well suited for providing per puff smoke deliveries and intra-puff evolution profiles in cigarette smoke respectively. The quad quantum cascade (QC) laser high resolution infrared spectroscopy system has the necessary temporal and spectral resolution and whole smoke analysis capabilities to provide detailed information for CO and CO(2) as they are being formed in both MS and SS smoke. The QC laser system has an optimal data rate of 20 Hz and a unique puffing system, with a square wave shaped puff, that allows whole smoke to enter an 18 m, 0.3 L multi-pass gas cell in real time (0.1s cell response time) requiring no syringe or Cambridge filter pad. Another similar multi-pass gas cell with a 36 m pathlength simultaneously monitors the sidestream cigarette smoke. The smoke from experimental cigarettes manufactured with two types of iron oxide papers were compared to the smoke from cigarettes manufactured similarly without iron oxide in the paper using both instrument systems. The delivery per puff determined by the QC laser method agreed with FTIR results. MS CO intra-puff evolution profiles for iron oxide prototype cigarettes demonstrated CO reduction when compared to cigarettes without iron oxide paper. Additionally, both CO and CO(2) intra-puff evolution profiles of the cigarettes with iron oxide paper showed a significant reduction at the initial portion of the 2 s puff not observed in the non-iron oxide prototype cigarettes. This effect also was observed for ammonia and ethylene, suggesting that physical parameters such as paper porosity and burn rate are important. The SS CO and CO(2) deliveries for the experimental cigarettes evaluated remained unaffected. The iron oxide paper technology remains under development and continues to be evaluated.

FTIR analysis of gaseous compounds in the mainstream smoke of regular and light cigarettes

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been applied to the study of mainstream cigarette smoke from cigarettes of different stated strengths (regular and various light cigarettes with different reported nicotine, tar and CO contents). This technique has allowed for the measurement of a variety of gaseous components including hydrocarbons and both nitrogen and carbon oxides. The results demonstrate that the strength of the cigarette does not have a significant bearing on the quantity of the observed components produced. Additionally, open-path FTIR studies of diluted sidestream and exhaled smoke have been conducted. These measurements revealed that the majority of gaseous pollutants originated from the sidestream smoke, while the primary smoke was 'purified' or diluted upon exhalation by the smoker.

Investigation, by single photon ionisation (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS), of the effect of different cigarette-lighting devices on the chemical composition of the first cigarette puff

Soft single-photon ionisation (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) has been used to investigate the effect of different cigarette-lighting devices on the chemical composition of the mainstream smoke from the first cigarette puff. Lighting devices examined were a Borgwaldt electric lighter, a propane/butane gas lighter, a match, a candle, and the burning zone of another cigarette. To eliminate the effects of the different masses of tobacco burnt by use of the different lighting methods a normalisation procedure was performed which enabled investigation of changes in the chemical patterns of the resulting smoke. When another cigarette was used as the lighting device, elevated levels of ammonia and other nitrogen-containing substances were observed. These are high in the sidestream smoke of the cigarette used for lighting and would be drawn into the mainstream smoke of the cigarette being lit. In contrast, smoke from the cigarette lit by the electric lighter contained slightly higher normalised amounts of isoprene. Lighting the cigarette by use of a candle resulted in larger amounts of substances, e.g. benzene, which most probably originated from thermal decomposition of wax. The composition of the first puff of smoke obtained by use of the three lighting methods with open flames (gas lighter, match, and candle) was usually similar whereas the composition of the smoke produced by use of the electric lighter and the cigarette as the lighter were more unique. The chemical patterns generated by the different lighting devices could, however, be separated by principal-component analyses. Two additional test series were also studied. In the first the cigarette was lit with an electric lighter, then extinguished, the ash was cut off, and the cigarette was re-lit. In the second the cigarette was heated in an oven to 80 degrees C for 5 min before being lit. These treatments did not result in changes in the chemical composition compared with cigarettes lit in the ordinary way.

The generation of formaldehyde in cigarettes--Overview and recent experiments

In recent years much effort has been devoted to assessing the influence of tobacco ingredients on the chemistry and toxicity of cigarette mainstream smoke. All of the studies have indicated that commonly used tobacco ingredients do not change the toxicity of smoke as measured in specified assays. Also, the ingredients have little effect on the levels of most smoke constituents that may be relevant to smoking-related diseases. One exception to this generalisation is formaldehyde, which is generated from saccharides used as tobacco ingredients. However, the past studies have generally used mixtures of ingredients added to the tobacco so that the exact effect of each saccharide in turn could not be precisely determined. This is addressed in the present study. Many diverse studies over the last 30 years have examined particular aspects of formaldehyde in smoke and its generation although no attempt has been made to draw the various aspects together. This has also been addressed in the present paper and an overview is developed on the subject. The experimental results of the present study are rationalised within the framework of this previous knowledge. In the present experimental study, several individual saccharides commonly used as tobacco ingredients have been added to cigarettes, the cigarettes have been machine-smoked and the yields of formaldehyde in the resultant smoke have been compared to those from a control (no ingredient) cigarette. Using four series of cigarettes made on different occasions, the results indicate that all tested sugars added to tobacco increase the yield of formaldehyde in mainstream cigarette smoke under ISO standard smoking machine conditions. Increases up to 60% are observed at maximum sugar levels used on cigarettes. The increases are mostly statistically significant although their magnitudes are variable. These results with formaldehyde are consistent with all previously published studies on the subject. The increases in mainstream formaldehyde are also observed using smoking machine conditions that are more intense than the standard ISO conditions. Different sugars increase mainstream formaldehyde to different extents, which may be due at least partially to the presence of varying amounts of amino compounds in some of the sugars, such as honey and maple syrup. The presence of such compounds has been shown to inhibit the generation of formaldehyde from sugars. In general, the first puff of the cigarette generates abnormally high yields of formaldehyde, and this effect has been shown to persist in the presence of added sugars. In contrast to the situation with mainstream smoke, the levels of formaldehyde in sidestream smoke are not affected by the presence of sugars. The addition of the various saccharides to tobacco also produced some statistically significant effects in the cigarette mainstream yields of six other carbonyl smoke constituents that were analysed at the same time as formaldehyde. These effects were generally small, less than 16%, were not consistent amongst the various cigarette series and lost their significance when the long-term analytical variability was taken into account.

Puff-by-puff resolved characterisation of cigarette mainstream smoke by single photon ionisation (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS): Comparison of the 2R4F research cigarette and pure Burley, Virginia, Oriental and Maryland tobacco cigarettes

Soft single photon ionisation (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) is applied for the characterisation and comparison of puff-by-puff resolved and total yields of cigarette mainstream smoke from single tobacco type cigarettes (Virginia, Oriental, Burley, and Maryland) and the 2R4F University of Kentucky research cigarette. Puff-by-puff characteristics of various smoke components within one cigarette type as well as between different cigarette types can differ tremendously. This is demonstrated by means of a few selected compounds. Puff yields vary between 15 and 106 microm for acetaldehyde, 6 and 57 microm for NO, and between 1 and 8 microm for butadiene. Thereby, cigarettes containing 100% Oriental and Burley tobacco exhibit a very unique behaviour for the first and last puff. Different cultivation and processing methods as well as burning characteristics are most likely responsible for this. Since the 2R4F cigarette contains all four tobacco types it combines features of all of them. However, for some smoke constituents, smoking of the 2R4F reference cigarette results in exceptionally high yields which might not be attributable to the four pure tobacco types, but to other factors. In addition, comparison of the different cigarettes was also carried out by normalising the yields to puff resolved particulate matter. This procedure minimises effects caused by unequal smoke formation and represents another approach in evaluating the data.

Quantitative puff-by-puff-resolved characterization of selected toxic compounds in cigarette mainstream smoke

Soft single photon ionization (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) has been applied for the quantitative puff-by-puff-resolved characterization of selected toxic species in cigarette mainstream smoke, namely, nitric oxide (NO), acetaldehyde, butadiene, acetone, isoprene, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene. The 2R4F research cigarette was investigated for whole smoke (unfiltered) and gas phase (filtered). It has been demonstrated that the existing smoking regime for total smoke analysis (smoke from a complete cigarette) features deficiencies when applied to puff-resolved measurements. This is especially the case for analysis in which a glass fiber filter is used to separate the smoke particulate and gas phases because material is desorbed from the filter and influences succeeding puffs. Regarding whole smoke measurements, succeeding puffs are affected by contamination and memory effects of the smoking machine itself, but to a lower extent. Quantitative puff-resolved smoke profiles show that the puff yields of the various constituents can differ tremendously. Most species' concentrations increase gradually with puff number, which is mainly due to the reduction in length of the cigarette. However, high yields in the first puff are observed for butadiene and isoprene, suggesting different formation mechanisms for these compounds. First results are presented in which these high yields in the first puff are mainly associated with the gaseous fraction of the smoke.

Measurement of nitrogen dioxide in cigarette smoke using quantum cascade tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectroscopy (TILDAS)

Although nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) has been previously reported to be present in cigarette smoke, the concentration estimates were derived from kinetic calculations or from measurements of aged smoke, where NO(2) was formed some time after the puff was taken. The objective of this work was to use tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectroscopy (TILDAS) equipped with a quantum cascade (QC) laser to determine if NO(2) could be detected and quantified in a fresh puff of cigarette smoke. A temporal resolution of approximately 0.16s allowed measurements to be taken directly as the NO(2) was formed during the puff. Sidestream cigarette smoke was sampled to determine if NO(2) could be detected using TILDAS. Experiments were conducted using 2R4F Kentucky Reference cigarettes with and without a Cambridge filter pad. NO(2) was detected only in the lighting puff of whole mainstream smoke (without a Cambridge filter pad), with no NO(2) detected in the subsequent puffs. The measurement precision was approximately 1.0 ppbVHz(-1/2), which allows a detection limit of approximately 0.2 ng in a 35 ml puff volume. More NO(2) was generated in the lighting puff using a match or blue flame lighter (29+/-21 ng) than when using an electric lighter (9+/-3 ng). In the presence of a Cambridge filter pad, NO(2) was observed in the gas phase mainstream smoke for every puff (total of 200+/-30 ng/cigarette) and is most likely due to smoke chemistry taking place on the Cambridge filter pad during the smoke collection process. Nitrogen dioxide was observed continuously in the sidestream smoke starting with the lighting puff.

Real-time fourier transform-infrared analysis of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in sidestream cigarette smoke

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was compared directly to independent standard analytical techniques for the routine measurement of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) yields from cigarette sidestream smoke. The FT-IR instrument was configured in-line with a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer for CO analysis and a chemiluminescence (CL) analyzer for NO analysis to monitor the sidestream smoke from a single port of a linear smoking machine. A cold trap was inserted prior to the FT-IR to minimize the levels of vapor phase interferents, such as water. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were evaluated for the prediction of cigarette yield from time-resolved spectral data at 1, 2, 4 and 8 cm-1 spectral resolution. Regressions were developed using three different spectral ranges including unique rotation-vibration lines, the R-branch, and the entire absorption band. As per standard methods, yields were calculated from the concentration traces generated during the smoke runs for five different cigarettes spanning the expected range of mainstream total particulate matter deliveries. The FT-IR traces for the smoke runs revealed improved temporal resolution yielding analytical information from smoke generated in between puffs. The performance between the validation methods and the FT-IR calibrations was statistically compared. In general, for the determination of CO, the FT-IR calibrations underestimated the yield measured by NDIR by less than 10%. For the NO measurement, the univariate FT-IR calibrations overestimated the NO yield measured by the CL analyzer, whereas the partial least squares (PLS) calibrations showed good agreement. PLS calibrations were developed for both analytes providing no significant difference when compared to the respective standard analytical techniques. Results for sidestream CO and NO yields for Kentucky reference cigarette 1R4F utilizing 8 cm-1 calibrations compared favorably to values reported elsewhere in the literature. Hence, calibration of the FT-IR system at 8 cm-1 spectral resolution clearly revealed the potential of this method, providing enhanced temporal resolution, simultaneous determination of several smoke components, and reduced complexity of the experimental setup in contrast to the standard techniques.

Characterization of a mid-infrared hollow waveguide gas cell for the analysis of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide

Infrared spectroscopy is commonly applied to the analysis of small gas-phase molecules. One of the limitations of using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for these applications is the time response of long path length gas cells. Hollow waveguides (HW) that transmit in the mid-infrared spectral range have higher optical efficiencies compared to long path length cells due to smaller cell volumes. This study characterizes a silver coated, 2 mm inner diameter HW for the analysis of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) and compares the performance to a 3 m gas cell and traditional gas analyzers. The HW was found to have a CO response time less than the NDIR analyzer and approximately one-tenth of the response time on the FT-IR system equipped with a 3 m gas cell. The utility of the increased response time was demonstrated by measuring CO concentrations in sidestream cigarette smoke at the same temporal resolution as an NDIR analyzer. A 10 to 60% increase in sensitivity using various frequencies for both CO and NO was observed using the HW compared to the 3 m multipass gas cell. However, cost savings for gas-sensing applications can be achieved on a per analyte basis by using FT-IR spectroscopy, especially in combination with a HW gas-sensing module, which is significantly less expensive than a multipass gas cell.

Real-time trace-level detection of carbon dioxide and ethylene in car exhaust gases

A direct-absorption spectrometer, based on a pulsed, distributed feedback, quantum cascade laser with a 10.26-microm wavelength and an astigmatic Herriott cell with a 66-m path length, has been developed for high-resolution IR spectroscopy. This spectrometer utilizes the intrapulse method, an example of sweep integration, in which the almost linear wavelength up-chirp obtained from a distributed feedback, quantum cascade laser yields a spectral microwindow of as many as 2.5 wave numbers/cm(-1). Within this spectral microwindow, molecular fingerprints can be monitored and recorded in real time. This system allows both the detection of carbon dioxide and ethylene and the real-time observation of the evolution of these gases in the exhaust by-products from several cars.

Quad quantum cascade laser spectrometer with dual gas cells for the simultaneous analysis of mainstream and sidestream cigarette smoke

A compact, fast response, infrared spectrometer using four pulsed quantum cascade (QC) lasers has been applied to the analysis of gases in mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) cigarette smoke. QC lasers have many advantages over the traditional lead-salt tunable diode lasers, including near room temperature operation with thermoelectric cooling and single mode operation with improved long-term stability. The new instrument uses two 36 m, 0.3 l multiple pass absorption gas cells to obtain a time response of 0.1s for the MS smoke system and 0.4s for the SS smoke system. The concentrations of ammonia, ethylene, nitric oxide, and carbon dioxide for three different reference cigarettes were measured simultaneously in MS and SS smoke. A data rate of 20Hz provides sufficient resolution to determine the concentration profiles during each 2s puff in the MS smoke. Concentration profiles before, during and after the puffs also have been observed for these smoke constituents in SS smoke. Also, simultaneous measurements of CO(2) from a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer are obtained for both MS and SS smoke. In addition, during this work, nitrous oxide was detected in both the MS and SS smoke for all reference cigarettes studied.

Monitoring of ethylene by a pulsed quantum cascade laser

We report on the development and performance of a gas sensor based on a quantum cascade laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 10 microns to measure ethylene (C2H4) concentrations by use of a rotational component of the fundamental nu 7 band. The laser is thermoelectrically cooled and operates in a pulsed mode. The influence of pulse-to-pulse fluctuations is minimized by use of a reference beam and a single detector with time discriminating electronics. Gas absorption is recorded in a 100-m optical path-length astigmatic Herriott cell. With a 10-kHz pulse repetition rate and an 80-s total acquisition time, a noise equivalent sensitivity of 30 parts per billion has been demonstrated. The sensor has been applied to monitor C2H4 in vehicle exhaust as well as in air collected in a high-traffic urban tunnel.