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Development of a compact quantum cascade laser spectrometer for field measurements of CO2 isotopes

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Abstract

We report the development of a field-deployable, pulsed quantum cascade laser spectrometer. The instrument is designed to measure the 13C/12C isotopic ratio in the CO2 released from volcanic vents. Specific 12CO2 and 13CO2 absorption lines were selected around 4.3 μm, where the P-branch of 12CO2 overlaps the R-branch of 13CO2 of the 0001–0000 vibrational transition. This particular selection makes the instrument insensitive to temperature variations. A dual-channel cell balances the two absorption signals. We provide details of the instrument design and a preliminary demonstration of its performance based on laboratory measurements of 16O12C16O and 16O12C18O.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rice Quantum Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, USA

    D. Weidmann, G. Wysocki & F.K. Tittel

  2. Department of Geography, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, UK

    C. Oppenheimer

Authors
  1. D. Weidmann
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  2. G. Wysocki
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  3. C. Oppenheimer
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  4. F.K. Tittel
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Correspondence to D. Weidmann.

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PACS

42.55.Px; 42.62.Fi; 07.88.+y

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Weidmann, D., Wysocki, G., Oppenheimer, C. et al. Development of a compact quantum cascade laser spectrometer for field measurements of CO2 isotopes. Appl. Phys. B 80, 255–260 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-004-1639-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-004-1639-7

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