You are here

Lightweight Airborne Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Sensor

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-08ER84972
Agency Tracking Number: 85815
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 16 b
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-07ER07-36
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
67 Condesa Road
Santa Fe, NM 87508
United States
DUNS: 134161533
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Pilgrim
 Dr.
 (505) 466-3830
 jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Business Contact
 Jeffrey Pilgrim
Title: Dr.
Phone: (505) 466-3830
Email: jpilgrim@vistaphotonics.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide using balloonsondes, a critical component of the DOE's greenhouse gas measurement strategy, is a challenge to optical detection methods. High sensitivity, precision, and selectivity are required in a rugged, compact, lightweight package. This project will develop a lightweight laser-based spectrometer that can resolve carbon dioxide concentrations to better than 1 ppm in 30 seconds. This simple, rugged, enhanced-path-length optical spectrometer will be provided on a platform suitable for balloonsondes. In Phase I, a compact laser spectrometer will be constructed, and its sensitivity and selectivity for carbon dioxide will be determined. The capacity for high precision detection under dynamically variable temperature, pressure, and humidity will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should offer high-performance in an inexpensive, balloon-compatible, package, for a variety of gas detection applications. Examples include atmospheric monitoring, environmental regulatory compliance, process gas analysis, and biomedical breath diagnostics.

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government