Hollow Optical Waveguide Sensor for Environmental Monitoring

50257-98-I Hollow Optical Waveguide Sensor for Environmental Monitoring--Arete Associates, 333 North Wilmot Road, Sutie 450, Tucson, AZ 85711-2631; (520) 571-8660 Dr. Gregory J. Fetzer, Principal Investigator Dr. John W. McLean, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82533 Amount: $74,950 A novel optical gas monitoring sensor will be developed that could significantly reduce the costs associated with sensitive detection and quantification of components in a gaseous sample. The sensor is based on hollow optical waveguides, semiconductor lasers, and wavelength modulation spectroscopy. The combined result of the Phase I and Phase II efforts will provide a novel and sensitive gas monitoring sensor that is small and lightweight in comparison with current technology. Phase I includes the determination of sample flow characteristics through the hollow waveguide, the identification and demonstration of a capability to perforate the waveguide to provide adequate sample flow and response time, and the design of a complete sensor that will lead to the construction in Phase II of a prototype capable of measuring pollutant concentrations at the parts-per-billion level. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: If successful, the resulting sensor could revolutionize pollution monitoring methods. The instrument will be robust, flexible in design, and will be packaged efficiently in small volumes. Consequently, this sensor could be used in process control and source monitoring, combustion analysis and control, and in a variety of biochemical and medical applications._