Quantum Cascade Laser Monitor for N0, N02 and 03

This project will develop a high accuracy monitor for the photo-chemically coupled pollutants nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone using infrared absorption spectroscopy with quantum cascade (QC) lasers. The target molecules are monitored at air quality stations worldwide using instruments, which require frequent calibration and are not sufficiently specific (in the case of NO2). This QC monitor will initially provide a portable measurement standard to calibrate the existing network and will eventually replace existing instruments. QC lasers are spectroscopically stable and can be operated near room temperature when in pulsed mode. This allows the design of compact, rugged, monitors which are also highly accurate. The main Phase 1 research objective is to demonstrate the required measurement stability (one part per thousand). This stability will be converted to accuracy in Phase 2 using the ozone ultraviolet absorption standard and chemical titration to transfer this standard to NO and NO2.