Rugged Optical Carbon Monoxide Field Analyzer

Detection of carbon monoxide (CO) is an essential element of the North American Carbon Program. CO detection is challenging because of the low, 100 parts-per-billion (ppb), concentrations in the atmosphere and the required 10 ppb precision. Vista Photonics proposes to develop novel optical sensing technology that will provide unambiguous carbon monoxide detection with better than 10 ppb precision in less than one minute. The analyzer will be about the size and weight of a can of soda, with integrated optics and electronics, and will operate long-term unattended (without cryogenic fluids). The analyzer will run at a reduced pressure for selectivity to carbon monoxide in the presence of atmospheric contaminants in wet or dry air. The sensor will require no more than 0.1 liter (NTP) of reference gas per day to provide 1 ppb CO measurement accuracy. In quantity, the sensors will retail for less than $6,000, excluding vacuum requirements.