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EPSRC Reference: GR/R36626/01
Title: In situ detection of IO and NO2 using an ultrasensitive absorption spectrometer
Principal Investigator: Orr-Ewing, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Chemistry
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 07 January 2002 Ends: 10 September 2003 Value (£): 172,758
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Analytical Science Gas & Solution Phase Reactions
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Environment No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Ultra-sensitive absorption spectroscopy techniques, demonstrated so far only in the near infra-red and for development of optical frequency standard for metrology, will be further developed to enable design and construction of an optical sensor for N02 and 10 concentrations and fluxes in the troposphere. The sensor will be based on injection of the output of a tuneable blue / violet diode laser into a locked, high finesse optical cavity. Cav enhancement of absorption will be studied using four separate techniques: (a) cw CRDS, (b) locked intra-cavity integrated absorption, (c) NICE-OH (d) heterodyne CRDS. Anticipated sensitivities for 10 at 427 nm and N02 at 410 nm will be sub parts per trillion based on laboratory demonstrations the sensitivity limits of the various techniques. A field instrument will be designed and constructed that makes use of the best features of the locked cavity absorption techniques, with design criteria of sensitivity, ease of operation and robustness under field conditions. The instrument will be deployed for testing against established, non-spectroscopic N02 detectors at Silwood Park, and at Mace Head for study of 10 concentrations and fluxes. Results of field measurements will be utilized in box and trajectory models of atmospheric chemistry to improve understanding of the role anc influence of these species in the troposphere.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk