Small Business - ERC Collaborative Opportunity to develop an instrument for trace detection of O2 using a high-finesse prism optical cavity and the Faraday Effect

Tiger Optics, Llc, Horsham PA

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual Merit : In this project a new fully optical CE-FRS detection scheme is proposed to mitigate needs for any chemical treatments of the sample gas that is usually required with currently available instrumentation for trace oxygen sensing. The project will leverage unique capabilities of development and commercialization of cavity enhanced technologies by Tiger Optics and the new sensing technology based on FRS developed and demonstrated by MIRTHE. Initially a proof-of-concept prototype system will be investigated based on a conventional two mirror high-Finesse cavity equipped with a custom FRS optics for signal extraction. Most importantly the proposed research will also explore the possibility of implementing CE-FRS using the Tiger Optics proprietary high-Finesse optical prism cavity technology. This unique technology would allow CE-FRS to be implemented in combination with standard cw-CRDS in the same commercial instrument, permitting sensitive broadband detection of paramagnetic and diamagnetic molecules simultaneously. The proposed technology will eliminate routine maintenance issues, chemical conversion uncertainty and other disadvantages typical for electrochemical systems or indirect sensing technologies. The proposed direct laser-based detection provides significant advantage in industrial applications where 24-7 continuous monitoring is required and in environmental applications where analyzers are often situated in remote locations with basic infrastructure. Broader Impacts : Development of a CE-FRS method will open up possibilities for sensitive monitoring of many other paramagnetic species. This method will be suitable for real-time monitoring of trace concentrations of radicals involved in combustion and atmospheric chemistry, i.e. NO, NO2, OH, HO2, and CH. In many cases, while the presence of these radicals is known, the reaction rates and abundances are not well known due to the lack of in situ monitoring capabilities. A direct laser-based method can provide a new tool for monitoring trace-radicals in a wide range of applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial process control or combustion diagnostics. Therefore scientific and engineering advancements in this field integrated with a comprehensive educational program addressing specific career development goals at each academic level from high school students to post-doctoral researchers, will provide an excellent training for the new generation