Sonde Deployable Carbon Dioxide Sensor

76321-Predictions of global warming caused by human activities rely on complex models, which include time variable sources and sinks of atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide. Reliable modeling depends on the existence of accurate and frequently-taken atmospheric profiles of these greenhouse gases. As of now, no readily deployable carbon dioxide sensor exists for this task. This project will develop a balloon-sonde-deployable carbon dioxide sensor that weighs less than 100 grams, uses little power, and can respond to part per million changes in the ambient carbon dioxide concentration within 30 seconds. Phase I will involve a proof-of-principle demonstration of a laboratory prototype, leading to a preliminary design for a field-deployable sensor. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In the science community, the sensor should find use in the measurement of vertical atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration profiles, a data set critical to the development of global warming models. In the commercial sector, the sensor should provide an inexpensive and reliable method for monitoring carbon dioxide in building ventilation control systems.