Real-Time Ambient Nitrous Oxide Sensor

Nitrous oxide measurements are currently used to study atmospheric transport mechanisms as a route towards a greater understanding of global warming and climate change. However, current instruments suffer from limitations with respect to speed and precision. This project will develop an instrument that will enable nitrous oxide concentrations to be determined in the field, with a precision exceeding 0.1% at a 1 Hz update rate. The approach combines a novel single frequency mid-infrared laser source with a flowing gas sample cell arrangement. The resulting instrument will be low cost, compact, rugged, and energy efficient. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The worldwide market for low cost, high precision nitrous oxide monitoring instrumentation is quite large due to the hundreds of atmospheric monitoring stations presently in operation. Additionally, the technology could be used for carbon monoxide monitoring with little further development. Commercial arenas for the technology include trace gas monitoring, pollution monitoring, and industrial process monitoring.