Compact, Fast Response CO Analyzer

79297S Carbon monoxide concentration measurements are currently used to study atmospheric transport mechanisms, as a route towards a greater understanding of global warming and climate change. However, greater speed and precision are needed. This project will combine a novel single-frequency mid-infrared laser source with a flowing gas sample cell arrangement to produce a low cost, compact, rugged, and energy efficient instument that will enable CO concentrations to be determined with a precision exceeding 0.5% at a 10 Hz update rate. The mid-infrared laser source will be demonstrated during Phase I and integrated into a bench-scale laboratory instrument to perform CO measurements. The results of these tests will demonstrate the precision and accuracy of the approach, and will be used to determine specifications for the Phase II instrument. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The worldwide market for low cost, high precision CO monitoring instrumentation is quite large. Commercial arenas for the technology include trace gas monitoring, pollution monitoring, and industrial process monitoring. In particular, the proposed instrument could be used in combustion control applications to provide real-time feedback of combustor efficiency and reduce pollution.