An electronic cigarette (or “e-cigarette”) is an alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.  It is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by delivering a vaporized propylene glycol/nicotine solution.  In addition to nicotine delivery, this vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no tobacco, smoke, or combustion is actually involved in its operation.

 

Operation

When a user inhales through the device, air flow is detected by a sensor, which activates a heating element that vaporizes a nicotine solution stored in the mouthpiece.  It is this vapor that is inhaled by the user.  An LED on the opposite end of the device is also activated during inhalation, which serves as an indicator of use, and also to simulate the glow of actual burning tobacco.  This gives the user the sensation of smoking, without the harmful tar, carbon-monoxide and chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes.

 

Nicotine Solution

Liquid nicotine solution for electronic cigarettes is available in a variety of different flavors and nicotine concentrations.  Nicotine concentrations range from high doses (to mimic the content of regular cigarettes) to midrange and low doses (that mimic the nicotine content of “light” and “ultra light” cigarettes).  Solutions are also available without any nicotine at all.

Some flavor varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, and some even attempt to mimic specific cigarette brands, such as Marlboro or Camel.  Solutions are also available with candy-type flavoring, such as strawberry, orange, mint, vanilla, caramel, coffee, etc.

 

To learn more information about the electronic cigarette, you can visit the wikipedia page here.