You are here

Field Worthy Sensor for Measurements of the Stable Isotope Ratio of CO2

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85316
Agency Tracking Number: 91252
Amount: $99,965.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 43 b
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-08ER08-34
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
United States
DUNS: 073800062
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Sonnenfroh
 Dr.
 (978) 689-0003
 sonnenfroh@psicorp.com
Business Contact
 David Green
Title: Dr.
Phone: (978) 689-0003
Email: green@psicorp.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Measurement of the ratio of the concentrations of the stable isotopologues of CO2 in the atmosphere can provide new understanding of the dynamics of CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. On the local scale, such measurements enable the study of the net ecosystem exchange of CO2. On larger, continental-to-global scales, isotopically resolved concentration measurements of atmospheric CO2 are one means of monitoring the partitioning of CO2 between the major surface sinks represented by the oceans and the terrestrial biosphere. This project will develop instrumentation to enable routine, widespread measurements of these isotopes with good precision. Phase I will couple a near-IR tunable diode laser with a high sensitivity detection system and demonstrate the required measurement precision for monitoring the major stable isotopes of CO2. Phase II will design, fabricate, test, and field demonstrate a prototype field sensor for the major stable isotopes of CO2. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The proposed compact and economical sensor for the stable isotopologues of CO2 should enable measurements of the net ecosystem exchange of carbon on a wider scale, with important implications for global climate change modeling and, ultimately, international energy policy.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government