Astronomy Tool Can Now Detect COVID in Breath
Laser-based optical frequency combs, originally developed to time atomic clocks, can also perform fast, noninvasive tests for COVID—and potentially other diseases as well
www.scientificamerican.com
different types of molecules absorb different colors of light; by detecting which colors of light are absorbed near specific frequencies, the comb can identify specific molecules in an air sample. In a recent study, scientists proved this tool can detect COVID from Breathalyzer-type tests in which subjects simply blow into a tube—potentially paving the way for fast, noninvasive diagnostic tests for a multitude of diseases.