Ultrasensitive Ethylene Sensors for Horticultural Product Protection

Ethylene exposure limits have been established for postharvest handling of most horticultural commodities. In addition, effective methods have been developed to control ethylene exposure levels. However, the lack of simple, high-sensitivity ethylene monitoring instruments prevents the agricultural industry from implementing effective controls and thereby minimizing ethylene-induced product losses. The agricultural industry needs low-cost, real-time, high-sensitivity ethylene sensors with which untrained people can measure ethylene concentrations as low as one part per billion. Measuring low levels of ethylene using current technology typically requires collecting air samples and sending them to a laboratory for gas chromatography analysis. This process, including shipping and faxing of data results can take several days, during which spoilage or damage can occur. Real-time detection is key to successful reduction of product losses. In this project, Picarro, Inc. will develop an ultra-sensitive ethylene monitor prototype based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The purpose of the phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using CRDS for real-time ethylene monitoring in commercial and research applications.