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Miniature Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer for Measuring Tropospheric Ammonia

Award Information
Agency: Department of Commerce
Branch: N/A
Contract: DG133R-04-CN-0154
Agency Tracking Number: 2003-17
Amount: $300,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 8.1.4
Solicitation Number: NOAA-2003-1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2003
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1570 Pacheco Street Suite E-11
Santa Fe, NM 87505
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mark Zondlo
 Senior Research Scientist
 (505) 984-1322
 mzondlo@swsciences.com
Business Contact
 Alan Stanton
Title: President
Phone: (505) 984-1322
Email: astanton@swsciences.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Southwest Sciences proposes continuing development of an instrument for use on a lightweight aircraft capable of measuring tropospheric concentrations of ammonia. Gas phase ammonia plays important roles in determining the formation and composition of aerosol particles. Understanding the chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles is critical towards understanding global climate change, regional air pollution, and acid deposition. The instrument uses a state-of-the-art, miniature mass spectrometer that operates at higher pressures than conventional mass spectrometers, resulting in lower pumping, lighter weight, and consuming less power. In addition, the instrument uses chemical ionization mass spectrometry to obtain high selectivity, high sensitivity, and a low limit of detection (20 pptv). Phase I results have demonstrated excellent ion transmission from the chemical ionization source to the mass spectrometer. Phase II efforts will focus on optimizing the electrostatic lenses, inlet design, extensive calibration and background testing, data acquisition and analysis, and field-testing of the instrument. The expected prototype at the end of Phase II will measure ammonia at a frequency of 0.1-1 Hz and be the size of a computer monitor.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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