Trace Carbon Monoxide Analyzer

Although carbon dioxide remains the most cited greenhouse gas, other gases play important roles in climate change. Carbon monoxide measurements are probably the most important gas phase measurements to be performed in the field to track pollution, to fingerprint sources and to separate dynamics from chemistry in plumes. Highly sensitive measurement equipment is required to measure the low atmospheric concentrations of this indirect greenhouse gas with sufficient precision. Comprehensive studies of global warming require this gas to be monitored continuously to unravel its contribution to Earths changing climate. A compact, highly sensitive, in situ monitor for carbon monoxide is proposed. Efficient emerging quantum cascade lasers will be combined with the high-performance trace gas detection sensitivity provided by photoacoustic spectroscopy. A specially tailored device design will allow rugged and field deployable instrumentation. A new, simple and compact photoacoustic based carbon monoxide sensor was developed in this project. The Phase I work provides a solid foundation for the development of a compact and rugged QCL-PAS based carbon monoxide sensor with sub-ppb measurement precision at relevant atmospheric concentrations. An integrated prototype carbon monoxide sensor will be developed in Phase II. Long term accuracy and precision will be evaluated and the technology will be tested at selected sites. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A new sensor platform will be developed that provides ultra-high sensitivity detection for trace gases. Advanced, compact, sensor technologies with high precision at moderate price points are strongly desired in environmental monitoring, modern manufacturing and biomedical diagnostics/monitoring.