Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Self-calibrating interference refractometer using a linear photodiode array for anaesthetic gas analysis

  • Instrumentation
  • Published:
Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The laboratory standard for measurement of gas concentrations in binary mixtures is the manually operated interfence refractometer. We describe an automatic interference refractometer for theatre use incorporating a linear photodiode array and using digital electronics for signal analysis. The support system performs automatic self-calibration, samples gases from an anaesthetic machine, feeds them to the refractometer and presents information on gas concentrations and possible alarm conditions to the anaesthetist. The instrument may be incorporated into a new anaesthetic machine or may be an addition to an existing one. The instrument may also be applied in other fields where concentrations of known gases need to be monitored automatically.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cooper, J. B., Edmondson, J. H., Joseph, D. M. andNewbower, R. S. (1981) Piezoelectric sorption anaesthetic sensor.IEEE Trans.,BME-28, 459–466.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diprose, K. V. andRedman, L. R. (1978) An automatic interference refractometen.Br. J. Anaesth.,50, 1155–1157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edmondson, W. (1957) Gas analysis by refractive index measurement.,29, 570–574.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, D. W. (1974) Methods for the analysis of gases and vapours. InScientific foundations of anaesthesia, 2nd edn.,Scurr, C. andFeldman, S. (Eds.), Heinemann, London, Chap. 7, 85–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hulands, G. H. andNunn, J. F. (1970) Portable interference refractometers in anaesthesia.Br. J. Anaesth.,42, 1051–1059.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeavons, P. (1987) Automated interference refractometer: an algorithm for locating an irregular fringe pattern.J. Biomed. Eng.,9, 157–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penlon Ltd. (1985) Gas analysis apparatus and method. European Patent 85304410.5 (20-6-85).

  • E G & G Reticon. G series solid state line scanners (1–19 to 1–22). Product Literature. 345 Potrero Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA.

  • Tyndall, J. (1965) On radiation. The Rede lecture.Royal College of Surgeons of England Tracts,139A, 4.1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zbinden, A. M., Westenskow, D., Thomson, D. A., Funk, B. andMaertens, J. (1986) A laboratory investigation of two new portable gas analysers.Int. J. Clin. Mon. & Comput.,2, 151–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oxford Medical Ltd., 1 Kimber Road, OX14 1BZ, Abingdon, Oxon, UK

    R. K. Jackson & W. L. Davies

  2. Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK

    E. Palayiwa & C. E. W. Hahn

  3. Penlon Ltd., Radley Road, Abingdon, Oxon, UK

    B. R. Sugg

  4. Marconi Space Systems, Portsmouth, Hants., UK

    S. Weller

Authors
  1. R. K. Jackson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. Palayiwa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. B. R. Sugg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. C. E. W. Hahn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. S. Weller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. W. L. Davies
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jackson, R.K., Palayiwa, E., Sugg, B.R. et al. Self-calibrating interference refractometer using a linear photodiode array for anaesthetic gas analysis. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 26, 516–522 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441920

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441920

Keywords

Search

Navigation