Portable high precision nitrogen gas analyzer for eddy covariance flux measurements

Recent research has suggested that the commonly used assumption of dry air having no net flux is erroneous and can lead to significant errors in reported observations for eddy correlation flux measurements. If the density of nitrogen was measured directly, the accuracy of these measurements would be improved greatly. Southwest Sciences, Inc. proposes to develop a portable analyzer that would be used in conjunction with sonic anemometers to improve the performance of eddy covariance flux measurements. This instrument would use a new optical method to detect ambient nitrogen gas density with good precision and fast time response. The Phase I research demonstrated that required performance specifications could be achieved. The Phase II research would result in the construction, characterization and field testing of a prototype instrument.