IRLAM™ Technology

HORIBA’s Infrared Laser Absorption Modulation (IRLAM™) technology is redefining gas measurement with extreme accuracy, minimal interference, and a compact design. Developed to overcome the limitations of traditional infrared gas analysis, IRLAM delivers high sensitivity, exceptional reliability, and precise detection. As an evolution of HORIBA’s proven solutions, IRLAM is engineered to meet the growing demands of environmental compliance, automotive emissions testing, and industrial applications, making it a new cornerstone of gas analysis.

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_{IRLAM™ is a registered trademark or trademark of HORIBA, Ltd. in Japan and other countries.}

IRLAM integrates three proprietary technologies developed in-house by HORIBA:

• Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL): A laser optimized for gas measurement, delivering precise wavelengths to enhance sensitivity and minimize interference.
• Herriott Cell: A compact multi-pass gas cell that achieves a long optical path for heightened sensitivity while maintaining a small footprint.
• Concentration Calculation Algorithm: A cutting-edge method that extracts “feature values” from gas absorption signals, dramatically reducing computational demands without compromising accuracy.

• Enhanced Emissions Testing: Meets the emerging needs of Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing with precise data on gases like ammonia (NH₃) and formaldehyde (HCHO).
• Sustainability and Compliance: Critical for reaching future emissions standards and supporting carbon-neutral fuel development.

HORIBA is confident that IRLAM technology offers significant advantages for both the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) community and regulatory agencies regarding NOx measurement. These advantages lead to improved data quality and potentially lower costs.

• Improved Performance: In contrast to chemiluminescent detectors (CLDs), IRLAM eliminates the need for an NO₂ converter, a potential source of error due to conversion efficiency which requires periodic checks (40 CFR 1065).
• Superior Wet Measurement: IRLAM represents a next-generation wet measurement technology that eliminates "quench errors" and the need for removed water correction in results calculations.
• Minimal Interference: The technology boasts exceptionally low interference levels, well below typical H₂O quench values, further enhancing data integrity.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: IRLAM eliminates issues associated with catalyst deterioration caused by ammonia poisoning, a common problem with CLDs. This translates to cost savings as the need for consumable parts such as ammonia protection filters and catalyst replacement is reduced.
• Consistent Response Time: Unlike CLDs where response time can deteriorate with catalyst aging, IRLAM maintains consistent response times, ensuring reliable data throughout its lifespan.

In summary, NOx measurement with IRLAM represents the benefits for both stakeholders:

• OEMs: Reduced costs, improved data accuracy, and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Regulators: Enhanced data quality and confidence in testing results.

HORIBA has been at the forefront of gas analysis technology, pioneering solutions that shape industries and drive the world forward. IRLAM is a testament to HORIBA’s relentless pursuit of innovation—combining scientific expertise with cutting-edge technology to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable measurement solutions.

As the global landscape shifts toward stricter emissions regulations and cleaner energy, HORIBA remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. IRLAM represents a new era of gas analysis, reinforcing HORIBA’s role as a leader in precision measurement, environmental responsibility, and industrial innovation.

As industries push for cleaner energy and stricter emissions compliance, HORIBA’s IRLAM technology is redefining emissions analysis. With extreme sensitivity, minimal interference, and a compact design, IRLAM enables:

•   Precise emissions monitoring to drive global carbon neutrality

•   High-sensitivity gas detection for hydrogen-based energy innovation

•   Reliable, real-time measurement for regulatory compliance and industrial sustainability