JILA's next-generation optical frequency comb breathalyzer

In a recent study over 170 human breath samples, we combined optical frequency combs with machine learning to achieve excellent detection accuracy for COVID-19. We have since upgraded the detection capability by greatly expanding the spectral coverage which now covers molecules with C-H, N-H, O-H, C≡C and C≡N bonds. Along with excellent sensitivity, we can now detect a vastly expanded volume of chemical information from each breath sample. This next-generation comb breathalyzer is under test with new medical studies to understand how the diagnostic power can be further expanded and improved.