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Cavity Enhanced LED-Induced Fluorescence Detection of Nitrogen Dioxide
Completed
TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
We propose to create an induced fluorescence-based monitor for the detection of nitrogen dioxide where the light source is a light emitting diode. Sensitivity of such a device will be greatly enhanced by the use of a high finesse optical cavity formed by two very high reflectivity mirrors which provide for many passes of the light emitted by the LED. The goal is to provide a monitor capable of measuring concentrations from to 10 parts per trillion to 1 part per million with 1 second sampling using proprietary CAPS-based technology. A major advantage of such an approach is that it provides a true measurement of NO2 rather than one derived from chemical manipulation in a highly robust, easy to use package.
Benefits
The development of such monitor could be deployed by NASA for measurement of NO2 concentrations in the free troposphere or lower stratosphere either on both ground-based and aerial platforms. It would replace current measurement systems such as very expensive and difficult to use infrared laser-based absorption monitors or complex and difficult to maintain chemiluminescence-based monitors. The development of such a monitor would be embraced by the non-NASA government and academic research community for the measurement of trace levels of nitrogen dioxide, a criteria pollutant. It could also readily be incorporated into a complete NOx monitor which would measure both NO2 and total NOx.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA |
| Start date | 2024-08-07 |
| End date | 2025-02-06 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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