Development of a Breathalyzer for Ethanol Detection using a Quantum Cascade Laser Array and a Dense Pattern Multipass Cell

The gas phase detection of ethanol $(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O})$ is currently performed either qualitatively by chemical breathalyzers or quantitatively by electrochemical or metal oxide semiconductor sensors. However, the latter suffer from poor selectivity and can be interfered by a number of volatile organic compounds, including those naturally present in exhaled breath [1]. In addition, a regular calibration of these devices is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the measurements made.