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Infrared QC laser applications to field measurements of atmospheric trace gas sources and sinks in environmental research: enhanced capabilities using continuous wave QCLs
Conference proceeding

Infrared QC laser applications to field measurements of atmospheric trace gas sources and sinks in environmental research: enhanced capabilities using continuous wave QCLs

Mark S. Zahniser, David D. Nelson, J. Barry McManus, Scott C. Herndon, Ezra C. Wood, Joanne H. Shorter, Ben H. Lee, Gregory W. Santoni, Rodrigo Jimenez, Bruce. C. Daube, …
QUANTUM SENSING AND NANOPHOTONIC DEVICES VI, v 7222(1), pp 72220H-72220H-9
01 Jan 2009

Abstract

Engineering Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Optics Physical Sciences Physics Physics, Applied Science & Technology Science & Technology - Other Topics Spectroscopy Technology
The advent of continuous wave quantum cascade lasers operating at near room temperature has greatly expanded the capability of spectroscopic detection of atmospheric trace gases using infrared absorption at wavelengths from 4 to 12 mu m. The high optical power, narrow line width, and high degree of single mode purity result in minimal fractional absorptions of 5x10(-6) Hz(-1/2) detectable in direct absorption with path lengths up to 210 meters. The Allan plot minima correspond to a fractional absorbance of 1x10(-6) or a minimum absorption per unit path length 5x10(-11) cm(-1) in 50s. This allows trace gas mixing ratio detection limits in the low part-per-trillion (1 ppt = 10(-12)) range for many trace gases of atmospheric interest. We present ambient measurements of NO2 with detection precision of 10 ppt Hz(-1/2). The detection precision for the methane isotopologue (CH4)-C-13 is 25 ppt Hz(-1/2) which allows direct measurements of ambient ratios of (CH4)-C-13/(CH4)-C-12 with a precision of 0.5 parts per thousand in 100 s without pre-concentration. Projections are given for detection limits for other gases including COS, HONO and HCHO as CWRT lasers become available at appropriate wavelengths.

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Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Optics
Physics, Applied
Spectroscopy
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