Quantum Cascade Laser Monitor for N0, N02 and 03

This project will design and deliver a high accuracy monitor for the photo-chemically coupled pollutants nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone using infrared absorption spectroscopy with quantum cascade (QC) lasers. The target molecules are monitored at air quality stations worldwide using instruments which require frequent calibration and are subject to significant chemical interferences (in the cases of NO2 and O3). This QC monitor will initially provide a portable measurement standard to calibrate the existing network and could eventually replace existing instruments. QC lasers are spectroscopically stable and can be operated near room temperature when in pulsed mode. This allows the design of compact, rugged, monitors which are also highly accurate. The main Phase 2 objectives are to complete the detailed design and construction of an instrument which can simultaneously measure all three species with high time resolution and high accuracy. This instrument will be delivered to NIST scientists upon project completion and after a period of collaborative testing and training.