Real-Time Infrared Greenhouse Gas Sensor

Improved trace-gas monitors are required to enhance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and climate change. In particular, highly-accurate robust sensors, which are capable of monitoring fluxes and concentrations of trace greenhouse gases such as methane, are needed. This project will develop such a sensor, based on a novel mid-infrared laser source. The laser will possess many desirable qualities, including high reliability, excellent beam quality, compact size, low power consumption, and room-temperature single-frequency operation. The laser will be combined with a rugged, miniaturized gas sampling system to enable long-term measurements of trace gas fluxes and concentrations in field settings. During Phase I, the mid-infrared laser source will be constructed and fully characterized. The source will be used in conjunction with a compact gas sampling system to demonstrate the fast and accurate determination of methane concentrations in atmospherically relevant gas mixtures. Preliminary designs for a fully automated Phase II sensor will be produced. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: Commercial applications are expected in a variety of industrial process control settings. These applications include trace gas monitoring, greenhouse gas monitoring for emissions compliance, and hydrocarbon leak detection.