Separate formaldehyde from interference.
Study how the measurement responds to formaldehyde in the presence of other gases and changing environmental conditions. Reducing interference is a research objective whose performance must be measured.
CoastalQuant HCHO Research
A measurement is useful when you understand its limits.
We are developing a system for measuring indoor formaldehyde and a reproducible method for evaluating its results. Our focus is the relationship between selective sensing, signal behavior, and the conditions in which a measurement can be trusted.
Formaldehyde measurement system: U.S. patent pending.
Explore the validation approachThe technical focus
Three questions guide the development.
The concept places a candidate prefilter before the sensor and combines sensor-response analysis with checks on measurement validity. Current and planned studies ask whether the prefilter can reduce ethanol interference while allowing formaldehyde to pass through, including in the presence of water. Planned validation will assess the combined system against reference measurements and define where its results are usable.
Explore the planned evaluation scopeUnderstand how the signal changes.
Investigate the response and recovery of the sensing system over time. Signal analysis is intended to help distinguish the behavior of the sensor from changes in the air being assessed.
Establish when a result is usable.
Develop checks for operating conditions, uncertainty, and limits of interpretation. The method should support decisions about repeat measurements and confirmatory laboratory analysis.
HCHO research notes
How the evidence is built.
Literature reviews, method notes, and findings that inform the research, with their scope and limits stated.
Browse HCHO research notesFirst published ·
Coronene as a Reference: Two Frequency Checks, Two Error Rules
The focused rule was signed after the first Hessian and before the second. It accepts all 102 internal vibrations; the original rule leaves three unresolved. This reference decision does not confirm the ethanol–coronene pair.
Read the research noteHCHO Research Studies
Studies to guide sensor and prefilter development.
These studies examine the measurement cycle, molecular selectivity, cartridge operation, and quantum calculations of binding. Their findings would inform prototype development and subsequent laboratory evaluation.
View all studiesStudy R01Planned
Measurement and recovery cycle
When should a formaldehyde estimate be reported, and how much recovery time is needed before the next measurement?
View study & progressStudy R02In progress
Water and prefilter selectivity
How does water affect the relative binding of formaldehyde and ethanol on functionalized carbon prefilter models?
View study & progressStudy R03Planned
Cartridge flow and service life
Under which flow, humidity, and loading conditions can a cartridge retain ethanol while allowing formaldehyde to reach the sensor?
View study & progressStudy R04Planned
Molecular binding on IBM Quantum
Can a physical IBM quantum processor distinguish the binding of formaldehyde and ethanol to a model prefilter site?
View study & progressModel predictions will need experimental verification under the intended operating conditions. The validation plan does not require every study to be completed in full. Each milestone on the development roadmap still depends on the specific research inputs, evidence, and readiness checks required by that plan.
More context around every concentration.
A reported value needs a clear explanation of what supports it. Uncertainty, confidence, and validity answer different questions; the evaluation method must keep those distinctions visible.
Uncertainty
How much could the measurement differ?
A quantitative estimate must come from calibration and evaluation data, with the conditions and assumptions stated.
Confidence
How likely is the estimate to meet a stated error tolerance?
A model confidence indicator needs calibration within evaluated conditions. It is distinct from measurement uncertainty and does not establish accuracy on its own.
Validity
Is the measurement within evaluated conditions?
Operating limits and quality checks should identify when a result needs qualification, repetition, or confirmation.
Available for prototype preparation
Research hardware.
Our development inventory includes sensor evaluation kits and a computing platform for prototype preparation. Integration and evaluation are planned.
Sensor evaluation kits
Sensirion
Sensor evaluation kits for formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and other indoor-air measurements.
Electrochemical gas sensors
Alphasense
Electrochemical sensors for nitrogen dioxide and combined ozone / nitrogen dioxide measurements.
Computing platform
Particle
Tachyon single-board computer, included in our development hardware for prototype preparation.
From measurement to use
Built around questions from real buildings.
Initial use is centered on formaldehyde screening after construction and renovation. Analyzing trends and supporting source investigations are further development directions, each requiring its own evaluation.
Explore intended applicationsContribute to the research.
We welcome conversations about sensing, measurement science, laboratory evaluation, and future study settings.
Discuss collaborationOur separate Quantum Computing Research program explores computational methods and reports its own research outcomes.