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Real-Time Infrared Greenhouse Gas Sensor—Novawave Technologies, Inc., 900 Island Drive, Redwood City, CA  94065-5150; 650-610-0956, www.novawavetech.com 

Dr. Hans-Jurg Jost, Principal Investigator, hjjost@novawavetech.com

Dr. James J. Scherer, Business Official, jjscherer@novawavetech.com

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-06ER84424

Amount:  $99,999 

Improved trace-gas monitors are required to enhance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and climate change.  In particular, highly-accurate robust sensors, which are capable of monitoring fluxes and concentrations of trace greenhouse gases such as methane, are needed.  This project will develop such a sensor, based on a novel mid-infrared laser source.  The laser will possess many desirable qualities, including high reliability, excellent beam quality, compact size, low power consumption, and room-temperature single-frequency operation.  The laser will be combined with a rugged, miniaturized gas sampling system to enable long-term measurements of trace gas fluxes and concentrations in field settings.  During Phase I, the mid-infrared laser source will be constructed and fully characterized.  The source will be used in conjunction with a compact gas sampling system to demonstrate the fast and accurate determination of methane concentrations in atmospherically relevant gas mixtures.  Preliminary designs for a fully automated Phase II sensor will be produced.

Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Commercial applications are expected in a variety of industrial process control settings.  These applications include trace gas monitoring, greenhouse gas monitoring for emissions compliance, and hydrocarbon leak detection.