MULTI TRACE · Simultaneous Trace Gas Detection Platform

In response to the European Council's revision of air quality directives in October 2024, there is an urgent need to improve monitoring of global pollution gas concentrations and develop effective air quality management strategies. Current monitoring systems operate on a coarse grid with limited sensors that only target specific trace gases, leading to the omission of critical pollutants like ammonia. This results in costly, complex, and inefficient monitoring.MULTI TRACE introduces the world's first field-deployed dual comb spectrometer platform, enabling real-time tracking of three vital trace gases including nitrogen dioxide and ozone. This innovative technology is unique in Europe for its capability to monitor multiple gasses simultaneously with high temporal resolution on the second scale. Trace gases are often interconnected through solar-induced reactions, complicating accurate concentration measurement; however, MULTI TRACE operates in a spectral range where strong absorption signatures for all gases under scrutiny are present.Field investigations will showcase the platform's capacity to monitor gas concentration fluctuations in varied urban and forested settings, confirming its versatility, innovation, and reliability. Collaborating with a leading laser company and engaging with stakeholders from different environmental sectors in Austria, we aim to create a prototype that surpasses current commercial devices in detection limits and temporal resolution.MULTI TRACE has the potential to transform gas monitoring applications not only for environmental sensing but also across industries like oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and emergency services. Portable gas detectors are essential for safety, helping to identify leaks and monitor volatile organic compounds. As regulatory frameworks tighten and workplace safety awareness increases, the global market is projected to grow from an estimated $5.07 billion in 2024 to $8.81 billion by 2034, displaying an annual growth rate of 5.69%.