New Technology Platform to Measure Atmospheric Fluxes and Concentrations of Carbon Isotopes in CO2

An important component of monitoring the atmospheric carbon cycle is determining the mechanisms behind various sources and sinks. One tool for doing this involves measuring the concentrations and fluxes of the different isotopologues of the carbon-containing gases. Of the different isotopologues that can be monitored, the atmospheric concentrations and fluxes of 13CO2 and 12CO2 can be used to distinguish between sinks involving plant respiration and sinks involving other mechanisms. To date, however, there has been no instrumentation available to enable the large-scale-ecosystem monitoring of CO2 isotopologue ratios. This project will develop a compact, rugged monitor that is battery powered and can measure CO2 isotopologue ratios in real time. Phase I will develop (1) the mechanical and electrical means to rapidly scan mid-IR lasers over large spectral chunks, and (2) the computer algorithms to deconvolve the spectral data and convert it into concentrations for different compounds. In Phase II, these advances will be implemented into an actual monitoring device. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to helping understand the global carbon cycle, these types of sensors also could become important in agricultural monitoring. A group of these sensors could be used to monitor crop production by tying water and fertilizer conditions to photosynthesis and plant respiration. The resulting efficiencies in crop production could potentially result in more food production per acre.