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Novel Ultrasensitive Instrumentation for Trace Gas Measurements in the Field--Los Gatos Research, 67 East Evelyn Avenue, Suite 3, Mountain View, CA  94041-1518; 650-965-7780, www.lgrinc.com
Dr. Douglas S. Baer, Principal Investigator, d.baer@lgrinc.com
Ms. Noel Wong O'Keefe, Business Official, n.okeefe@lgrinc.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83695
Amount:  $100,000

The understanding of atmospheric chemistry and pollution transport in the troposphere, on lar g e and small spatial scales, is limited by the availability of reliable, sensitive, and accurate instrumentation that is easy to use and yields rapid, real-time results. This project will develop a novel, compact, and ru g g ed instrument that sensitively and accurately measures the concentrations of important atmospheric trace g ases (NO, NO₂, NO₃, N₂O, CO) and the fluxes of N₂O and CO.  The instrument, based on a novel technolo g y called Off-Axis Inte g rated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (ICOS) and on state-of-the-art diode lasers and quantum-cascade lasers, will be easy to use and will provide real-time measurements in the field and on board aircraft.  Phase I will desi g n, build, and test an Off-Axis ICOS instrument for measurements of the tar g et species (NO₂, NO₃, N₂O₅, CO, N₂O), based on absorption in the visible and infrared re g ions usin g two diode lasers and a quantum cascade laser.  Measurements will be performed on calibrated g as mixtures to determine the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the instrument.  Lastly, a Phase II instrument will be designed, and the costs of building and selling instruments in small and lar g e quantities will be estimated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  The instrumentation should find application in atmospheric studies, medical dia g nostics to detect common diseases, and the monitorin g and control of several industrial processes.