Development of Miniaturized Difference Frequency Generation, Fiber Optic, and Quantum Cascade Laser Systems in Conjunction With Integrated Electronics for Global Studies of Atmospheric Tracers Using UAVs.
Abstract
In order to harness the power of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for in situ atmospheric monitoring of tracers such as CO2, N2O, CH4, and H2O, we have developed small, lightweight, single mode laser systems with co- developed integrated electronics. The laser sources are of various types including newly developed cavity- enhanced difference frequency generation (CE DFG), distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB QCLs), and new types of commercially available DFB diode lasers. All are continuous wave (cw) and thermo-electrically cooled, ensuring a high instrument duty cycle in a compact, low maintenance package. The light sources are collimated with miniature aspherical lenses and coupled into a home-built astigmatic Herriott cell for detection of the various targets using direct absorption. In parallel with the optical components, we have developed integrated electrical systems for laser control, data processing, and acquisition. A prototype instrument suite is described that illustrates the importance of parallel development of optical and electrical components in achieving an apparatus that is compact, fully automated, and highly capable scientifically. Although the emphasis here is on atmospheric tracers, this technology could be applied to spectroscopic measurements of other atmospheric species such as isotopes, free radicals, and reactive intermediates.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2007
- Bibcode:
- 2007AGUFM.A52C..03W
- Keywords:
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- 0394 Instruments and techniques;
- 3362 Stratosphere/troposphere interactions;
- 3394 Instruments and techniques;
- 9805 Instruments useful in three or more fields