  A metallo-dielectric multilayer structure is proposed as a novel approach to
the analysis of lactose malabsorption. When lactose intolerance occurs, the
bacterial overgrowth in the intestine causes an increased spontaneous emission
of H2 in the human breath. By monitoring the changes in the optical properties
of a multilayer palladium-polymeric structure, one is able to detect the
patient's disease and the level of lactose malabsorption with high sensitivity
and rapid response.
