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Award Abstract #0320909
Development of an Airborne Quantum Cascade Laser Spectrometer for Rapid, Accurate, Measurements of Atmospheric Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Methane (CH4) from Light Aircraft
| NSF Org: |
ATM
Division of Atmospheric Sciences
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| Initial Amendment Date: |
July 30, 2003 |
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| Latest Amendment Date: |
July 30, 2003 |
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| Award Number: |
0320909 |
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| Award Instrument: |
Standard Grant |
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| Program Manager: |
Anne-Marie Schmoltner
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences
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| Start Date: |
August 1, 2003 |
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| Expires: |
July 31, 2005 (Estimated) |
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| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$591966 |
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| Investigator(s): |
Steven Wofsy swofsy@seas.harvard.edu (Principal Investigator)
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| Sponsor: |
Harvard University
1350 MASSACHUSETTS AVE
Cambridge, MA 02138 617/495-5501
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| NSF Program(s): |
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY,
MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
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| Field Application(s): |
0000099 Other Applications NEC
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
OTHR, 1524, 1189, 0000
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| Program Element Code(s): |
1524, 1189
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ABSTRACT
Through a collaboration between university and private industry, the P.I. and his team will develop a new compact instrument using quantum cascade lasers capable of measuring carbon monoxide and methane with sufficient robustness, sensitivity, accuracy, response and reliability so as to be suitable for use on research aircraft. After manufacture and testing with his industry partners the P.I. will deploy the instrument alongside an existing research-grade carbon dioxide instrument to generate a comprehensive airborne package targeting trace gases important to the global carbon cycle. Such atmospheric data is of unique use to quantify natural and anthropogenic emissions as well as gaining a more informed understanding of some basic yet critical global biogeochemical cycles. Broader impacts of this project include tools developed that target important and critical research needs within the carbon cycle and climate change communities. This work may in future lead to a commercially viable instrument that would be available to a broad community. Support is included for postdoctoral researcher(s) and a graduate student, which will contribute positively to education and professional development of young scientists at a major university.
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