MEXA-ONE-XL-NX
Measured components:
NO, NO2, N2O, NH3
HORIBA’s Infrared Laser Absorption Modulation (IRLAM™) technology for vehicle emissions testing enables high-sensitivity, low-interference measurement of exhaust gas components during vehicle and engine development. It is used in HORIBA analyzers designed for research and development, emissions system evaluation, certification testing and on-board measurement.
IRLAM combines a measurement-optimized light source, a compact multi-pass gas cell and HORIBA’s proprietary concentration calculation algorithm. Together, these technologies provide reliable real-time measurement, including at low gas concentrations and in exhaust containing water vapor and interfering gases.
IRLAM™ integrates three proprietary technologies developed in-house by HORIBA. While this page focuses on the benefits of IRLAM for vehicle and engine emissions testing, the article "How Does IRLAM Achieve High-Accuracy Gas Measurement?" provides a deeper technical explanation of how Quantum Cascade Laser technology, optical hardware, and concentration calculation algorithms work together to enable high-accuracy gas measurement.
Diagram showing how IRLAM’s Quantum Cascade Laser, Herriott Cell and concentration calculation algorithm contribute to high sensitivity, low interference, compact size and high reliability.
Learn how HORIBA’s Quantum Cascade Laser, compact Herriott Cell and concentration calculation algorithm work together to improve sensitivity, reduce interference and support high-accuracy gas measurement.
IRLAM™ technology supports vehicle and engine emissions testing as the mobility industry advances lower-emission powertrains, electrification and alternative fuels. HORIBA analyzers equipped with IRLAM provide precise, real-time exhaust gas data for research and development, emissions-system evaluation and certification testing, including the measurement of greenhouse gases such as N2O and CH4.
Key Benefits for the Mobility Industry
Enhanced Emissions Testing
IRLAM supports laboratory and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing, including precise measurement of components such as NH3 and HCHO.
Regulatory and Fuel-Development Readiness
IRLAM helps laboratories prepare for evolving emissions requirements while supporting the development and evaluation of alternative and low-carbon fuels.
IRLAM technology provides significant advantages for both OEMs and regulatory agencies when measuring NOx emissions, improving data quality while helping reduce operational costs.
IRLAM-equipped analyzers provide detailed exhaust gas data for engine calibration, catalyst development, aftertreatment optimization, vehicle testing and certification preparation. Direct wet measurement, low interference and reduced analyzer maintenance can also help laboratories improve measurement confidence and test-system availability.
IRLAM supports accurate and repeatable measurement of regulated exhaust components for vehicle and engine testing. Its measurement capabilities are relevant to evolving regulatory frameworks, including Euro 7 — Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 and the U.S. EPA engine-testing procedures defined in 40 CFR Part 1065.
IRLAM technology is approved by the U.S. EPA for NOx measurement in applicable vehicle and engine certification testing, providing an additional option for demonstrating regulatory compliance.
As vehicle technologies, alternative fuels and emissions requirements continue to evolve, laboratories need accurate measurement across a wider range of regulated and emerging exhaust components.
HORIBA combines IRLAM™ technology with its expertise in emissions analysis to support laboratory, portable and on-board measurement applications. Available solutions range from complete analyzer systems to measurement modules configured for specific components.
Infrared Laser Absorption Modulation (IRLAM™) is HORIBA’s gas measurement technology combining a Quantum Cascade Laser, compact multi-pass Herriott Cell and proprietary concentration calculation algorithm. The laser targets component-specific infrared absorption wavelengths, while the algorithm extracts identifying features from the measured signal to calculate gas concentrations with high sensitivity and minimal interference.
Chemiluminescence detector systems typically measure NO2 by converting it to NO before calculating total NOx. Converter efficiency, periodic verification and catalyst deterioration can introduce measurement uncertainty and maintenance requirements.
IRLAM measures NO and NO2 directly using their infrared absorption characteristics. This eliminates the NO2 converter and supports direct wet measurement, reduced interference, lower converter-related maintenance and consistent response characteristics.
Yes. IRLAM can measure wet exhaust directly without quench errors or removed-water correction calculations. This simplifies the measurement process and helps maintain confidence in results under changing exhaust conditions.
Available components depend on the analyzer and its configuration.
HORIBA’s current IRLAM-equipped solutions can measure components including: NO, NO2, N2O, NH3, HCHO, CO, CO2, CH4, and THC.
IRLAM-equipped analyzers support laboratory, portable and on-board applications, including vehicle development, certification preparation and Real Driving Emissions testing.
IRLAM technology is approved by the U.S. EPA for NOx measurement in applicable vehicle and engine certification testing. Permitted products, configurations and measurement methods depend on the relevant regulation and test procedure, including Euro 7 and 40 CFR Part 1065.
HORIBA experts can help identify the appropriate measurement solution based on your target components, measurement range, test environment and regulatory requirements.
Do you have any questions or requests? Use this form to contact our specialists.
