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Innovative Carbon Dioxide Sensor Based on Cavity Ringdown--Picarro, Inc., 1050 E. Duane Avenue, Suite 1, Sunnyvale, CA  94085-2626; 408-470-6099, www.picarro.com
Dr. Eric Crosson, Principal Investigator, ecrosson@picarro.com 
Mr. Tom Oswold, Business Official, toswold@picarro.com 
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83751
Amount:  $99,979

The U.S. Department of Energy needs improved sensors to measure changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  This project will develop a carbon dioxide sensor based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy.  In Phase I, the carbon dioxide sensor will be constructed, and its ability to detect the mole fraction of carbon dioxide in dry ambient air, to a relative precision of one part in 3000 or better, will be tested.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  The carbon dioxide sensor should have applicability to research and government markets for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane detectors; the medical market for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide sensors; and the agricultural market for ethylene sensors.