Application of quantum cascade lasers to high-precision atmospheric trace gas measurements

We review our recent results in development of high-precision laser spectroscopic instrumentation using midinfrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Some of these instruments have been directed at measurements of atmospheric trace gases where a fractional precision of 10&#8722 or better of ambient...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optical Engineering 2010-11, Vol.49 (11), p.111124-111124
Main Authors: McManus, J. Barry, Zahniser, Mark S, Nelson, Jr, David D, Shorter, Joanne H, Herndon, Scott C, Wood, Ezra C, Wehr, Rick
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmospherics
Fluxes
Instrumentation
Lasers
Quantum cascade lasers
Spectroscopy
Sulfides
Trace gases
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Summary:We review our recent results in development of high-precision laser spectroscopic instrumentation using midinfrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Some of these instruments have been directed at measurements of atmospheric trace gases where a fractional precision of 10&#8722 or better of ambient concentration may be required. Such high precision is needed in measurements of fluxes of stable atmospheric gases and measurements of isotopic ratios. Instruments that are based on thermoelectrically cooled midinfrared QCLs and thermoelectrically cooled detectors have been demonstrated that meet the requirements of high-precision atmospheric measurements, without the need for cryogens. We also describe the design of and results from a new dual QCL instrument with a 200-m path-length absorption cell. This instrument has demonstrated 1-s noise of 32 ppt for formaldehyde (HCHO) and 9 ppt for carbonyl sulfide (OCS).
ISSN:0091-3286
1560-2303
DOI:10.1117/1.3498782