Real-Time Multispecies Greenhouse Gas Sensor

Highly accurate, robust sensors capable of monitoring fluxes and concentrations of greenhouse gases such as methane are needed. In addition to meeting sensitivity and accuracy requirements, size, weight, and power consumption will likely be drivers in selecting sensor systems for remote monitoring. The proposed sensor is based on a novel mid-infrared laser source that reduces the complexity of the sensing approach and increases robustness. This laser will provide high reliability, excellent beam quality, compact size, low power consumption, and room-temperature single-frequency operation. It can be combined with a rugged, miniaturized gas sampling system, or be used in a unique, open-path configuration to enable long-term measurements of trace gas fluxes and concentrations in the field. During Phase I, a novel mid-infrared laser source was constructed and characterized, and new approaches to fabricating the core subcomponents were researched. Preliminary designs for a multi-species Phase II sensor were produced, including designs for extending the laser technology to new wavelength regimes. The Phase II work will continue the core Phase I technology development and employ this new laser platform to produce a prototype system. The system will be rigorously tested to demonstrate system efficacy for autonomous greenhouse gas monitoring for extended periods of time. The Phase II work will also demonstrate the efficacy of the core sensor technology platform for other gas sensing applications. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The commercial applications of the proposed sensor include greenhouse gas monitoring for geophysical research and emissions compliance, hydrocarbon leak detection, and a variety of industrial process control venues.