Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a target material such as a multicomponent gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a device for dispersing the radiation into different frequency bands for targeting the material at different wavelengths corresponding to absorption bands in the material. Spaced apart optoelectric transducers detect the different frequency bands. A processor detects the changes in the output of the transducers occasioned by partial absorption of the electromagnetic radiation from the source by the target material. Processing means also compensates for temperature variations in the source.