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Spectroscopic Measurement of Carbon Isotope Ratios in Methane

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-06ER84435
Agency Tracking Number: 80515S06-I
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 11
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-05ER05-28
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
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: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Hovde
 Dr.
 (513) 272-1323
 dchovde@swsciences.com
Business Contact
 Alan Stanton
Title: Dr.
Phone: (505) 984-1322
Email: astanton@swsciences.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Concentrations of methane in the atmosphere have increased 150% in the past three centuries, and accurate measurements are need to characterize the sources of this greenhouse gas. Isotope measurements are a candidate technology, but existing measurement approaches are cumbersome, and require that samples be collected and returned to a lab for analysis. This project will use a near-room-temperature, infrared diode laser to probe strong transitions of methane, including 12C and 13C isotopes. The laser will be combined with compact optics and digital signal processing to achieve high precision measurments of isotope ratios. Phase I will characterize the laser source (including its wavelength, spectral bandwidth, power, and tuning) as a function of current and temperature, integrate it into a spectrometer based on a proprietary optical cell, and use it to measure the carbon isotope ratio of methane in air. The target sensitivity is the measurement of isotope ratios with a precision between 0.1 and 1 parts per thousand. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: An instrument for measuring methane isotope ratios should have application for the atmospheric sciences, providing lower cost, greater portability, and longer time between servicing. Other applications would include the detection of leaks in the natural gas distribution network and the monitoring of on-site production at natural gas wells.

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

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