Instrumentation for Measurement of Atmospheric Nitric Acid

A better understanding of the influences of nitric acid in cloud droplet formation is needed in order to better predict the radiation balance of the Earth in climate modeling studies. New instrumentation to provide fast response airborne measurement of nitric acid vapor and other aerosol precursor gases is required to provide the necessary inputs in developing and refining accurate models of climate change. In this program, a new optical sensor platform will provide a significant advance in the development of rugged, portable instrumentation for airborne measurement of nitric acid or other gases important in climate change. This new approach addresses issues beyond performance, including the ability to be deployed in widespread field operations over extended periods of time. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Federal benefits include the availability of rugged, field-deployable instruments for the rapid and precise measurements of important gases such as nitric acid that will improve our knowledge for predicting and modeling atmospheric dynamics and climate change. This methodology is also applicable to Homeland Security identification of chemical agents. Direct commercial application areas include environmental sensing and regulatory compliance, atmospheric research, and optical sensing. In addition, this technology has application for gas leak sensing of pipelines, fire detectors for commercial and private aircraft, combustor feedback control sensors, and process control sensors for energy and chemical production industries.