A cryogenically operated laser diode spectrometer for airborne measurement of stratospheric trace gases

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 90; no. 3-4; pp. 581 - 592
• Main Authors: Viciani, S., D’Amato, F., Mazzinghi, P., Castagnoli, F., Toci, G., Werle, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.03.2008; Springer
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical applications; Brazil; Carbon monoxide; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General properties of the high atmosphere; Global environmental pollution; In situ measurement; Laser diodes; Laser spectroscopy; Lasers; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Physics of the high neutral atmosphere; Pollution; Quantum Optics; Spectrometers; Trace gases; Troposphere; Australia; Planetary Boundary Layer; HITRAN Database; Quantum Cascade Laser; Airborne Measurement; Tunable Diode Laser; Trace analysis; Troposphere; Measuring methods; Experimental study; Laser diodes; Cryogenic temperature; Concentration measurement; Time resolution; Semiconductor lasers; Laser spectroscopy; Carbon monoxide; Reliability; Gas detector
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-007-2885-2

A cryogenically operated laser diode spectrometer (COLD) for the airborne measurement of carbon monoxide is described. The instrument is designed, and fully qualified, for operation on a high-altitude aircraft and the scientific mission is the in situ measurement of trace gases in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Sensitivities achieved so far during in-flight operation are a few ppbV with a time resolution of 4 s, coupled with a good reliability. Airborne data, obtained by COLD during research campaigns in Australia and Brazil in the frame of international projects, are also presented to demonstrate COLD in-flight performance.