Real-Time Multispecies Greenhouse Gas Sensor

Improved trace gas monitors are required to improve our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and climate change. In particular, highly-accurate robust sensors that are capable of monitoring fluxes and concentrations of multiple trace greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are needed. This project will develop a sensor that is based on a new concept for a high-performance, mid-infrared laser source. The laser will possess many desirable qualities, including high reliability, excellent beam quality, compact size, low power consumption, and room-temperature single-frequency operation at multiple wavelengths. The laser will be combined with a rugged, miniaturized gas sampling system to enable long-term measurements of trace gas fluxes and concentrations in field settings. During Phase I, the new mid-infrared laser source will be constructed and fully characterized. The source will be used in conjunction with a compact gas sampling system to demonstrate the fast and accurate determination of atmospherically relevant gas mixtures. Designs for a fully automated multispecies Phase II sensor will be produced. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications for the sensor should be numerous, including trace gas monitoring at AmeriFlux and FLUXNET sites, greenhouse gas monitoring for emissions compliance, hydrocarbon leak detection, and industrial process control.