Application of Electromagnetic Echo Effect for Control of Atmospheric Pollution

The electromagnetic echo effect (EMEE) arises when a sample – whether a semiconductor, metal, or dielectric – is irradiated with an electromagnetic field. In response, the irradiated matter also begins to generate an alternating electrical signal whose frequency matches the modulation frequency of the incident radiation. An important feature of the effect is its high sensitivity to changes in the irradiated sample, particularly on its surface. This enables the development of control methods and sensors across a wide range of applications. One such application is the detection of atmospheric contaminants. The concept involves directing a fluid flow onto the sensor surface. If the gas flow changes due to the introduction of a new substance, this will lead to a change in the solid-fluid interface. We provide experimental evidence that such changes in the boundary surface lead to measurable changes in the EMEE signal. In this way, the presence of contaminants can be monitored.