Carbon Isotope Ratiometer

60985 Carbon isotope ratio variations in carbon dioxide have been shown to be useful in mapping the flux of biologic versus terrestrial carbon sources. However, most current methods for making this determination rely upon field samples returned to laboratories for analysis, making contamination a serious problem. This project will develop new fieldable instrumentation that can make these determinations at a site in real time, and transmit the information to monitoring personnel in real time via wireless internet communication. In Phase I, the new technique was demonstrated in the wavelength range (infrared) where the instrument will function. Also, a detailed design for the entire package was developed. In Phase II, two parallel efforts will be initiated to develop both the sensor instrument package as well as the remote field packaging. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The instrument core of the package should also have commercial applications in chemical monitoring for large chemical processing plants.