Innovative CO2 Analyzer Technology for the Eddy Covariance Flux Monitor

We propose to build and evaluate NDIR Analyzers that can be used to observe Eddy Covariance Flux and Absolute Dry Mole Fraction of CO2 from stationary and airborne platforms for a great range of environments. Both open- and close-path analyzers are to be evaluated. Phase I succeeded in building a fast CO2 analyzer with 100 Hz modulation frequency and sensitivity within a factor of two of the target value of 100 ppb. For Phase II, we propose upgrades to the technology that are designed to reach that target sensitivity. We are further proposing individual projects within restricted airspace that will demonstrate the potential of the technologies for significant kinds of observations for Observational Climate Change. Two robotic platforms are to be utilized, the Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) and The Portable Tower Observatory (PTO). The PTO will provide fluxes and eddy spectroscopy of CO2. The UAV will give CO2 eddy spectroscopy that can be compared for a range of practical heights (5- 30 m) of the PTO. Samples of air are to be dried, and the site is chosen to minimize the impact of H2O vapor on this first deployment of the technologies.