Waveguide Gas Cell for Correlation Radiometry of Trace Gases

The 2010 Planetary Decadal Survey recommends a high priority be placed on remote sensing technology, with a focus on developing and maturing novel, cross-cutting, low-mass/power sensors integrated into robust, low-cost system architectures. Toward this goal, we are developing a gas correlation radiometer for a lander platform.

While a 3 m pathlength has been previously demonstrated on the gas correlation radiometer in the laboratory using hollow glass microcapillaries with 1 mm diameter, this arrangement is not feasible for a space-based design in terms of both robustness and size of the coiled glass tubing.   This project will look at the ideal method of achieving the needed pathlength while maintaining a compact.