Real-Time Ultra-Sensitive NH3 Sensor for Chemical Leak Detection

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop an ultra-sensitive, in-situ point sensor for NH3 leak detection onboard Airborne Laser aircraft. The proposed instrument will be capable of rapidly (<10 s) detecting sub-ppbv ambient NH3 concentrations with high specificity. This compact, lightweight instrument will be capable of long-term unattended operation, and will easily handle multitude of stresses encountered during flight. The Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the technology by performing measurements using a bench-scale laboratory instrument that employs novel spectroscopic detection method in conjunction with a robust solid-state laser source. The results of these tests will be used to quantify detection limits for a Phase II instrument. Commercial systems based on the Phase II prototype will be developed and marketed during Phase III.