Picarro Launches Ultrasensitive HF (Hydrogen Fluoride) Gas Analyzer

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Picarro, Inc. has introduced
the world's most sensitive real-time gas analyzer for trace HF detection,
capable of measuring down to 10 parts per trillion (lower detection limit) in
ambient air. In addition to its unprecedented sensitivity, the new analyzer
operates with no requirement for frequent calibration and with complete
immunity to cross-talk from any other ambient gas component, including varying
moisture levels. Moreover, this simple to use analyzer can be operated
remotely with sampling rates as fast 1 Hz, producing drift-free data with up
to four digits of precision. Plus, the high dynamic range of this rugged
analyzer means it can deliver a linear response for HF concentrations as high
as parts per million, with an absolute accuracy of better than 1%.
This new HF analyzer is based on Picarro's unique Wavelength-Scanned
Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology (WS-CRDS). This innovative technique
measures near infrared absorption in a flow cell using an internal laser beam
over an effective path length of up to 21 kilometers. And because only
WS-CRDS scans and fits the entire absorption line profile, the HF
concentration can be measured very precisely, even if there are other gas
species present with absorption lines overlapping the HF line. No other
real-time technique can deliver the sensitivity and precision of WS-CRDS. And
other optical techniques, such as NDIR and single-wavelength CRDS, are also
susceptible to signal cross-talk from other trace-gas species.
The new Picarro HF analyzer is ideal for use in semiconductor fabrication
facilities and cleanroom applications where ambient air must be rigorously
monitored for HF. It will also find applications in other industries where HF
may be present, such as aluminum smelting and glass/glassware production.
"Hydrogen fluoride is an exceptionally dangerous gas and is notoriously
difficult to measure reliably," said Michael Woelk, President and CEO of
Picarro. "Our HF analyzer is another terrific example of the power of our
technology to provide simple turn-key solutions."
Picarro, Inc. is a privately held company dedicated to developing
instrumentation for the highest sensitivity, precision and accuracy
measurements of specific molecules of interest in environmental analyses,
process monitoring, and emissions control. The company is a leader in cavity
ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology with eight exclusive licenses to
Stanford University patents and nine of its own on CRDS extensions. Visit us
at http://www.picarro.com.
Contact Information:
Aaron Van Pelt, Marketing Engineer, avanpelt@picarro.com, (408) 962-3919
SOURCE Picarro, Inc.

Aaron Van Pelt, Marketing Engineer of Picarro, Inc., +1-408-962-3919,
avanpelt@picarro.com