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Networkable Automated Water Vapor Lidar for Tropospheric Profiling

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-12ER86514
Agency Tracking Number: 98690
Amount: $149,995.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: 03 g
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000577
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-11-19
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
United States
DUNS: 073800062
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Sonnenfroh
 Dr.
 (978) 689-0003
 sonnenfroh@psicorp.com
Business Contact
 B. Green
Title: Dr.
Phone: (978) 689-0003
Email: green@psicorp.com
Research Institution
 Montana State University
 
309 Montana Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717-2470
United States

 () -
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Measurement of the vertical profile of H2O vapor in the lower atmosphere can provide new understanding of the dynamics of H2O vapor mass transport on several scales. Such measurements can improve predictive capability for precipitation forecasts. They can also lead to increased understanding of complex feedback mechanisms involving the interaction of H2O vapor, temperature, radiative balance, and precipitation and therefore are important to global climate change modeling. While techniques exist to measure vertical profiles of H2O vapor in the atmosphere, there is a need for a compact and economical sensor that can make these measurements in the field in an automated manner as part of a network. Physical Sciences Inc. and Montana State University propose to develop a compact Differential Absorption Lidar to measure vertical profiles of H2O vapor in the lower atmosphere. This system will have the capability to make round-the-clock measurements in a network environment. The Phase I program will enhance the long term stability of the system; a prototype system will be fabricated in Phase II and demonstrated at the DoE Southern Great Plains site. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The primary envisioned market for the compact water vapor DIAL system is for routine water field measurements for meteorology. The increased data volume is expected to lead to improved general weather forecasts, as well as those for extreme events. In addition, the basic platform can be adapted to measurement of CO2, CH4, and CO by using amplified near-infrared telecom sources.

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

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