64
Lightweight Balloon-Borne Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Sensor—Vista Photonics, Inc., 67 Condesa Road, Santa Fe, NM 87508-8136; 505-466-3953, www.vistaphotonics.com
Dr. Jeffrey S. Pilgrim, Principal Investigator, jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Dr. Jeffrey S. Pilgrim, Business Official, jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-06ER84439
Amount: $100,000
The measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide on expendable balloonsondes , a critical component of the DOE’s
greenhouse gas measurement strategy, is a challenge to optical detection
methods. For this application, high sensitivity, precision, and selectivity
are required in a rugged, compact lightweight package. In this project, an
emerging lightweight photoacoustic spectrometer, initially developed for use
with laser diodes, instead will be coupled with an inexpensive infrared light
emitting diode (LED) to provide exceptional sensitivity and selectivity to the
measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The technique will provide the required
precision in a package that meets the demanding physical and cost requirements
of expendable balloonsonde flights. In Phase I, a bench top, LED-photoacoustic
spectrometer, operating in the mid-infrared region, will be designed and
built. The sensor specificity and sensitivity for carbon dioxide will be
determined. The ability of the sensor to return the required precision
throughout a typical balloon flight will be investigated. The low power draw
and light weight of the spectrometer not only will be compatible with ballonsondes
but also will provide sub-parts-per-million measurement precision of
atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the application of carbon dioxide measurement via balloonsondes, the technology should have application to the detection of various trace species. Related instruments at a compelling price could be developed for applications in biomedical breath diagnostics, process gas analysis, occupational safety, and homeland security.