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Fully Integrated Low-Cost High-Precision Carbon Dioxide Analyzer

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Energy 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2011 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
97300 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
29 b 		Solicitation Number:
DE-FOA-0000413
Small Business Information
Vista Photonics, Inc.
3 N. Chamisa Dr., Ste 1 Santa Fe, NM 87508-9463
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2011
Title: Fully Integrated Low-Cost High-Precision Carbon Dioxide Analyzer
Agency: DOE
Contract: DE-FG02-11ER90037
Award Amount: $150,000.00
 

Abstract:

Understanding global warming requires continuous field measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations. High-precision measurements of a part-in-3000, or better, are required. However, these high-performance instruments must meet stringent cost objectives. A simple, rugged, infrared spectrometer can provide the required measurement precision at the solicited volume price point. Vista Photonics proposes to develop a laser diode based spectrometer that can determine carbon dioxide concentration to 0.1 ppm precision in less than one minute with a retail price at $5,000. A bench top laser diode (LD) wavelength modulation spectrometer (WMS) will be constructed for Phase I proof-of-principle. The sensitivity and selectivity of the LD-WMS instrument for carbon dioxide will be determined using infrared laser diodes. The low-cost sensor version will measure dry or wet ambient air with no sample preparation. The requirements for calibration and measurement procedures will be determined for long-term field deployment. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed technology offers high-performance in an inexpensive, field-compatible, package. The spectrometer can meet DoEs low solicited price point, which sets it apart from existing devices of comparable performance. The approach will offer a compelling blend of price, performance and physical advantages in a variety of gas detection applications. Examples include atmospheric monitoring, environmental regulatory compliance, process gas analysis, and biomedical breath diagnostics.

Principal Investigator:

Jeffrey S. Pilgrim
Dr.
505-466-3830
jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com

Business Contact:

Jeffrey S. Pilgrim
Dr.
505-466-3830
jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Vista Photonics, Inc.
3 N. Chamisa Drive, Suite 1 Santa Fe, NM 87508-9463

EIN/Tax ID: 200051259
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No