Compact, Airborne Laser Multigas Sensor

40091 November 8, 1996 Physical Sciences, Inc. Current sensors on unmanned aircraft, used to measure greenhouse gases (such as H2O, CO2, CH4, and N2O) in the atmosphere, require extensive (crygenic) cooling. This project will develop a gas sensor which operates at room temperature, making it better suited for routine, extended flights. Phase I will integrate a previously demonstrated sensor concept (for H20 detection at 1.39 ¿m) with new approaches for detection of CO2, N20 , and CH4 at wavelengths between 1.52 and 1.65 ¿m. Phase I will result in demonstrated detection strategies, sensitivities, and measurement precisions for all species; a demonstrated temporal response; and a complete conceptual design for a compact, integrated sensor that can be deployed on a Perseus-type UAV. Phase II will consist of development, fabrication, and limited flight testing of a prototype UAV sensor payload, followed by delivery of the prototype to DOE. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: In addition to unmanned aircraft application, a high sensitivity water vapor sensor should find commercial application in feed gas analysis and process control for the semiconductor fabrication industry. A CH4 sensor should find comrnercial application as a fenceline, long path monitor for fugitive emissions from naturai gas pipelines and processing facilities, and from chemical manufacturing plants and Jandfills. A CO2 sensor should find applications in monitoring and validation of the performance of combustion systems in industrial and utility environments, and especially in aeropropulsion engine emissions control.