量子级联激光器(QCLs)的快速、 灵敏和选择性气体检测等独特优点, 使其成为2.5～25 μm波长范围内中红外气体检测的理想光源。 中红外QCLs在气体检测方面的应用已成为世界各国的研究焦点。 尤其是在大气环境监测、 太空探索和反恐防恐等领域的应用表现出了其他红外检测系统无可比拟的优势。 该文重点介绍了基于量子级联激光器的气体检测系统工作原理、 应用及发展趋势。

Quantum cascade laser (QCL) is an ideal mid-infrared source for gas sensing in the wavelength range from 2.5 to 25 μm, due to its fast response, high sensitivity and selectivity for gas detecting. Prototypes of gas sensing system based on QCL have been developed by worldwide research groups. They have great potential in many applications, such as environment monitoring, space exploration, anti-terrorism and so on. The present paper gives a broad review of QCL gas sensing system, including the basic working principle, existing systems, and its application and future development.