Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Ultrasensitive Mid-Infrared In Situ Spectrometer for Planetary Atmospheric Analysis, Phase I
Project Introduction
The Small Business Innovative Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop a compact, robust in situ spectrometer capable of detecting multiple gas-phase species in planetary atmospheres with ultra-high sensitivity and selectivity. This instrument will employ a novel room-temperature, widely tunable mid-infrared laser source in conjunction with cavity ringdown spectroscopy. During Phase I, the 3.3 to 3.5 µm spectral region will be targeted, which overlaps the spectral absorption features of variety of hydrocarbons, including methane, ethane, and formaldehyde. The ultra-high sensitivity of the proposed system will enable these species to be detected at concentrations below 7*107/cm3 per minute, which corresponds to a detection limit of <30 pptv in Earth?s atmosphere.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Langley Research Center
(LaRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
| Novawave Technologies | Supporting Organization | Industry | Redwood City, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Virginia
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Langley Research Center (LaRC)
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Joshua Paul
Project Duration
Start: Jan 2004
End: Jul 2004
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX08 Sensors and Instruments
- TX08.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
- TX08.3.2 Atomic and Molecular Species Assessment
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