Which component of the Intoxilyzer 9000 separates alcohol from the air sample?

The infrared detector is the component of the Intoxilyzer 9000 that plays a crucial role in identifying and measuring alcohol levels in an air sample. This device operates on the principle of infrared spectroscopy, where specific wavelengths of infrared light are absorbed by alcohol molecules in the sample. As the air sample is drawn through the device, the infrared detector measures the amount of light that is absorbed at those specific wavelengths associated with ethanol, allowing for quantification of the alcohol present.

This method is particularly effective because it can specifically target the molecular bonds of alcohol, distinguishing it from other gases that may be present in the breath sample. The infrared detector converts the absorbed light measurements into an electrical signal, which is subsequently translated into a blood alcohol concentration reading.

Other options, such as the gas chromatograph or sensor array, are not utilized in the Intoxilyzer 9000. While gas chromatography is a common method for alcohol testing, it is not part of the Intoxilyzer system. Similarly, the sensor array serves different functions within various sensing technologies but is not the main component for separating alcohol from the air in the context of the Intoxilyzer 9000. A liquid filtration system does not apply in this situation, as the device analyzes gase