Used correctly, waste is a valuable source of energy and raw materials. The controlled utilization of biomass, for example, produces both usable heat and producer gas that can be further processed into basic chemicals such as hydrogen, methane or methanol. Precise monitoring of the process is a prerequisite. Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process for producing gas from biomass in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. The centerpiece is a quantum cascade laser that emits terahertz radiation. This allows the water vapor content in the resulting gases to be measured precisely—an important factor, as the water content influences the quality and composition of the producer gas. Conventional methods reach their limits here. Terahertz technology, on the other hand, allows the selective detection of water molecules and thus delivers more reliable results.
Dipl.-Ing. Florian Müller and Dr. Michael Jaidl from the Technical University of Vienna, Austria
Reading Time 1 min
September 11, 2025
Viennese scientists use a quantum light source for sustainable gas production from biomass
