Novel Instrument to Measure Aerosol Fluorescence, Absorption, and Scattering, Phase I

Picarro, Inc proposes to develop the first cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) system to measure fluorescence, absorption, and scattering properties of atmospheric aerosols in real-time and in-situ. These unique capabilities will enhance NASA?s studies of aerosol properties including single-scatter albedo, size distributions, and particle types. The fluorescence spectra will enable discrimination between biological and non-biological aerosols. The flight-deployable instrument will weigh less than 25 kg and have a measurement time resolution of 1 second. Our approach utilizes a high-finesse CRDS cavity to measure extinction and to enhance the scattering and fluorescence signals attainable using low power diode laser based light sources.

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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