The robust, low weight, non-dispersive infrared multi-gas sensor that will be developed in this program will allow NASA to continuously monitor the quantity of various gases using UAVs. This information can be used for calibration and validation of satellite measurements. Hardened versions of this gas sensor could be used to monitor various trace gases on manned missions. These systems could also be used for ground based monitoring.
TThe gas monitoring system being developed in this program can be easily translated to other gases. Monitoring of industrial emissions will be a growing application of these types of systems. Other applications include spectroscopy, gas detection, chemical analysis, industrial monitoring of pollutants, and medical monitoring of exhaled gases. The improved performance of the infrared photodetector as compared to current mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detectors makes dual government-industrial/commercial use practical. Amethyst will be able to produce detectors and sensor systems based on these detectors with high sensitivity at a lower price point than current ultra high performance infrared detectors that are based on MCT photodiodes.
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