Laser-ablated nanocrystalline SnO2 material for low-level CO detection

This paper presents results from a study, which shows that laser-ablated nanocrystalline SnO2 can be used for low-level CO detection such as in environmental monitoring applications. Laser ablation has the advantage of producing nanocrystalline material free of surface contamination that can be detrimental for the detection capabilities of the sensors. Initially, the performance of this material was evaluated with respect to doping agents, operating temperature and film thickness. Subsequently, the sensors were operated in a pulsed-temperature mode. The sensors produced show superior sensitivities to CO concentrations at single-figure ppm levels at high resolution and with very low cross sensitivity to common interference gases.