A new method for imaging of carbon monoxide in combustion environments

Infrared imaging of CO in combustion environments is made difficult by cross-talk effects due to the high emission of CO2. A new method for discriminating CO emission, to be implemented in thermal cameras, is proposed. This method is based on a new family of infrared multilayer filters, denominated solid-state Fabry–Pérot (SSFP) filters. The design and spectral parameters of these filters are developed on the basis of the optical properties of the multilayers and substrate, and specific designs for CO imaging are presented. The application of this method to CO emission imaging in a flame is described, as an illustration of the wide range of applicability of SSFP filters in the detection and imaging of gases with a regularly spaced fine structure emission spectrum.