Lightweight Airborne Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Sensor

The measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide using balloonsondes, a critical component of the DOE's greenhouse gas measurement strategy, is a challenge to optical detection methods. High sensitivity, precision, and selectivity are required in a rugged, compact, lightweight package. This project will develop a lightweight laser-based spectrometer that can resolve carbon dioxide concentrations to better than 1 ppm in 30 seconds. This simple, rugged, enhanced-path-length optical spectrometer will be provided on a platform suitable for balloonsondes. In Phase I, a compact laser spectrometer will be constructed, and its sensitivity and selectivity for carbon dioxide will be determined. The capacity for high precision detection under dynamically variable temperature, pressure, and humidity will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should offer high-performance in an inexpensive, balloon-compatible, package, for a variety of gas detection applications. Examples include atmospheric monitoring, environmental regulatory compliance, process gas analysis, and biomedical breath diagnostics.