Compact Low Power Sensor for Measurement of Multiple Trace Gases

Development of a highly versatile turn-key sensor for measurement of atmospheric trace gases at high accuracy is proposed. The laser-based sensor targets simultaneous measurement of carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane with 0.1 second time resolution. The sensor will be designed for use on airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned aircraft, UAVs and drones, and balloons. It will be designed for meaurements throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Key specifications include compact size (volume of 72 cubic inches or less) and weight (1 kg or less), with a power requirement of less than 3 watts. The Phase I research will emphasize establishing feasibility of the approach through laboratory testing, followed by production and testing of prototype sensors in Phase II. Target markets for the sensor include NASA and other federal and international government agencies that are engaged in atmospheric research. Potential markets include wildfire monitoring as well as industrial and agricultural process applications. This program will develop a compact, low-power, light-weight sensor for measurement of carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, plus water vapor. The sensor is designed for deployment on a wide variety of airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned aircraft, UAVs/drones, and balloons, in addition to being highly suitable for ground-based measurements. The specifications target better than 1% accuracy in 10 Hz measurement of these trace gases over the full range of altitudes in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Physical dimensions of 3 by 3 by 8 inches are targeted, with a weight under 1 kg. Power consumption will be less than 3 watts. The sensor will be useful in obtaining real-time in situ atmospheric profiles of the trace gases for comparison with satellite remote sensing measurements. Applications include atmospheric research and environmental monitoring at industrial and agricultural sites.

Potential NASA applications include use of the sensors on airborne platforms, including manned aircraft, UAVs, and balloons to profile the vertical distribution of trace species in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Such measurements complement and validate satellite measurements of atmospheric gases. The proposed multigas sensor for atmospheric measurements will be useful in programs managed and funded by both domestic and international government agencies, including NASA, the Department of Energy, EPA, and USDA. Academic researchers involved in atmospheric studies will be potential end users. Ground-based applications include environmental/pollutant monitoring and possibly industrial process monitoring. The sensors can be used for drone-based monitoring of wildfires.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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