What type of light does the Intoxilyzer 8000 use to analyze breath samples?

The Intoxilyzer 8000 uses infrared light to analyze breath samples. This technology works based on the principle that specific wavelengths of infrared light are absorbed by different substances in the breath. When a person exhales into the device, the breath passes through a sample chamber where infrared light is emitted. The presence of ethanol in the breath results in the absorption of certain wavelengths of this infrared light.

By measuring the amount of infrared light that passes through the breath sample and comparing it with the light emitted, the device can determine the concentration of alcohol. This method is effective because ethanol has a distinct absorption spectrum that can be reliably detected, allowing for accurate blood alcohol content (BAC) measurements.

The other types of light mentioned, such as ultraviolet, visible, and X-ray light, do not have the same properties as infrared light in terms of how they interact with alcohol molecules, making them unsuitable for this specific application in breath analysis.