15
Novel
Ultra Sensitive 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:
$623,844
The understanding of atmospheric chemistry and
pollution transport in the troposphere, on large
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 rugged
instrument that sensitively and accurately measures the concentrations of
important atmospheric trace
gases
(NO, NO2, NO3, N2O, CO) and the fluxes of N2O
and CO. The instrument, based on a
novel technology
called Off-Axis Integrated
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 designed, built, and tested an Off-Axis ICOS
instrument using three diode lasers and a quantum cascade laser, to conduct
measurements of the target species (NO2, NO3, N2O5,
CO, N2O), based on absorption in the visible and infrared regions.
By performing measurements on calibrated gas mixtures, the accuracy,
precision and sensitivity of the instrument was established.
A Phase II instrument, capable of operation in the field and on-board
aircraft, was designed, and a detailed estimate of the cost of building and
selling the instruments, was determined. Phase
II will develop and test advanced prototype multi-gas analyzers capable of
simultaneous measurements of NO2, NO3, N2O5,
CO and N2O in the laboratory, in the field, and on an airplane. In
addition, the instrument will be deployed in the
Arctic
for autonomous field measurements.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: The
instrumentation should find application in atmospheric studies, medical diagnostics to detect common diseases, homeland
security, and the monitoring and control of several industrial processes.