You are here

Optical Carbon Dioxide Field Isotope Ratiometer

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-05ER84306
Agency Tracking Number: 78093S05-I
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 08
Solicitation Number: DE-FG02-06ER06-09
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
67 Condesa Road
Santa Fe, NM 87508
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Pilgrim
 Dr.
 (505) 466-3953
 jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Business Contact
 Jeffrey Pilgrim
Title: Dr.
Phone: (505) 466-3953
Email: jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are best quantified by determining their carbon dioxide isotope ratios. However, the required precision represents a challenge to optical measurement techniques under field deployment conditions. This project will develop a compact, rugged, mid-infrared spectrometer capable of determining isotopic carbon dioxide ratios at atmospherically relevant levels. In Phase I, a mid-infrared spectrometer for the detection of carbon dioxide at 4.3 microns was constructed, based on a pulsed quantum cascade laser (QCL). The sensitivity, selectivity, and precision of the instrument for isotopic carbon dioxide analysis were determined by using a high-performance optical cell specifically suited for QCLs. An isotopic abundance measurement precision below 0.2 'per mil' was predicted. In Phase II, a fully-integrated QCL sensor prototype, based on photoacoustic spectroscopy, will be constructed for field determination of atmospheric CO2 isotope ratios. Standard operating protocols for the sensors will be established. The prototypes will be refined through field-testing in several applications, which also will be Phase III commercialization opportunities. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The instrument should provide a compelling blend of price, performance and physical advantages in a variety of gas detection applications. Examples include atmospheric monitoring, environmental regulatory compliance, process gas analysis, and biomedical breath diagnostics. The targeted application for measuring greenhouse gas emissions is of high intrinsic value for the assessment of global warming.

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government