Recent measurements of carbon isotopes in carbon dioxide using near-infrared, diode-laser-based cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) are presented. The CRDS system achieved good precision, often better than 0.2‰, for 4% CO2 concentrations, and also achieved 0.15–0.25‰ precision in a 78 min measurement time with cryotrap-based pre-concentration of ambient CO2 concentrations (360 ppmv). These results were obtained with a CRDS system possessing a data rate of 40 ring-downs per second and a loss measurement of 4.0?×?10 -11  cm -1  Hz -1/2 .

Recent measurements of carbon isotopes in carbon dioxide using near-infrared, diode-laser-based cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) are presented. The CRDS system achieved good precision, often better than 0.2‰, for 4% CO2 concentrations, and also achieved 0.15–0.25‰ precision in a 78 min measurement time with cryotrap-based pre-concentration of ambient CO2 concentrations (360 ppmv). These results were obtained with a CRDS system possessing a data rate of 40 ring-downs per second and a loss measurement of 4.0?×?10 -11  cm -1  Hz -1/2 .

We describe the application of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) to the detection of trace levels of ethylene in ambient air in a cold storage room of a fruit packing facility over a several month period. We compare these results with those obtained using gas chromatography (GC), the current gold standard for trace ethylene measurements in post-harvest applications. The CRDS instrument provided real-time feedback to the facility, to optimize the types of fruit stored together, and the amount of room ventilation needed to maintain sub-10 ppb ethylene levels for kiwi fruit storage.

An historical overview of laser-based, spectroscopic methods that employ high-finesse optical resonators is presented. The overview begins with the early work in atomic absorption (1962) and optical cavities (1974) that led to the first mirror reflectivity measurements in 1980. This paper concludes with very recent extensions of cavity-enhanced methods for the study of condensed-phase media and biological systems. Methods described here include cavity ring-down spectroscopy, integrated cavity output spectroscopy, and noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectroscopy.

High fluences inside cavity ring-down spectroscopy optical resonators lend themselves to fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy. An instrument at 488 nm was developed to measure extinction, and fluorescence of aerosols. A detection limit of 6 x 10^-9 cm^-1Hz^-1/2 (0.6 Mm^-1Hz^-1/2) was achieved. The fluorescence spectral power collected from a single fluorescent microsphere was 10 to 20 pW/nm. This power is sufficient to obtain the spectrum of a single microsphere with a resolution of 10 nm and signal-to-noise ratio of ~10.

Cavity enhanced spectroscopy (CES) methodology provides a much higher degree of sensitivity than that available from conventional absorption spectrometers. The aim of this chapter is to present the fundamentals of the method, and the various modifications and extensions that have been developed. In order to set the stage, the limitations of traditional absorption spectrometers are first discussed, followed by a description of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), the most popular CES embodiment. A few other well-known CES approaches are also described in detail.

A novel instrument, based on cavity-ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), has been developed for trace gas detection. The new instrument utilizes a widely tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which incorporates a zinc–germanium–phosphide (ZGP) crystal that is pumped at 2.8 μm by a 25-Hz Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The resultant mid-IR beam profile is nearly Gaussian, with energies exceeding 200 μJ/pulse between 6 and 8 μm, corresponding to a quantum conversion efficiency of approximately 35%.

A novel instrument, based on cavity-ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), has been developed for trace gas detection. The new instrument utilizes a widely tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which incorporates a zinc–germanium–phosphide (ZGP) crystal that is pumped at 2.8 μm by a 25-Hz Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The resultant mid-IR beam profile is nearly Gaussian, with energies exceeding 200 μJ/pulse between 6 and 8 μm, corresponding to a quantum conversion efficiency of approximately 35%.

The use of isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) for the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopeanalysis of water is increasing. While IRIS has many advantages over traditional isotope ratio massspectrometry (IRMS), it may also be prone to errors that do not impact upon IRMS analyses. Ofparticular concern is the potential for contaminants in the water sample to interfere with thespectroscopy, thus leading to erroneous stable isotope data. Water extracted from plant and soilsamples may often contain organic contaminants.

The use of isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) for the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopeanalysis of water is increasing. While IRIS has many advantages over traditional isotope ratio massspectrometry (IRMS), it may also be prone to errors that do not impact upon IRMS analyses. Ofparticular concern is the potential for contaminants in the water sample to interfere with thespectroscopy, thus leading to erroneous stable isotope data. Water extracted from plant and soilsamples may often contain organic contaminants.

The quantification of greenhouse gas emissions requireshigh precision measurements made with high spatial resolution.Here we describe measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2)and methane(CH4) conducted using Purdue University’s AirborneLaboratory for Atmospheric Research (ALAR), aimed at thequantification of the “footprints” for these greenhouse gasesfor Indianapolis, IN. A cavity ring-down spectrometer measuredatmospheric concentrations, and flask samples were obtainedat various points for comparison.

The quantification of greenhouse gas emissions requireshigh precision measurements made with high spatial resolution.Here we describe measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2)and methane(CH4) conducted using Purdue University’s AirborneLaboratory for Atmospheric Research (ALAR), aimed at thequantification of the “footprints” for these greenhouse gasesfor Indianapolis, IN. A cavity ring-down spectrometer measuredatmospheric concentrations, and flask samples were obtainedat various points for comparison.

In the global effort to understand and combat climate change, networks across the world are monitoring greenhouse gases (GHGs). With their unique, high-precision CRDS technology, Picarro analyzers are used in many of these networks, including at all Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) Atmosphere Thematic Centre networks. With the introduction of the PI5310 Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) analyzer, Picarro provides the best solution for N2O and CO atmospheric monitoring that meets and exceeds World Meteorological Organization (WMO) compatibility goals and ICOS

PS-19 Test Results Show Picarro CRDS Far Outperforms OE-FTIR 

The US EPA recently finalized the updates to 40 CFR 63, Subpart O (otherwise known as the Commercial Sterilizer National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants/NESHAP).  The updated rule came into effect through the Risk and Technology Review (RTR) and aims to address Ethylene Oxide (EtO, EO) emissions from point sources and room air emissions. 

A year ago, Veritas and OGMP 2.0 embarked on a collaborative journey to harmonize their

This document will serve as a guide to selecting a suitable vehicle for use in Picarro AMLD drive survey usage.

Welcome to an exploration of the future of pipeline safety and environmental standards.

Natural gas distribution system operators (DSO) around the world must detect and measure methane emissions to find and eliminate hazardous leaks, meet financial budgets and shareholder expectations, and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Methods of Estimating Network-Wide Gas Leak Flow Rates - Which is Best for Your Utility?

In our recent podcast on methane abatement, part of our expert series, which features the perspectives of industry leaders on the challenges and advancements in gas and energy sectors, Picarro’s Francois Rongere, Senior Director Solution Architect, Climate and Safety, and Sean MacMullin, Senior Director of Software and Data Analytics, discuss the relationship between methane detection, quantification, and abatement programs, aiming to ill

In our recent podcast, we tackled the critical issue of methane data collection, leak detection and emissions measurement - uncovering the current state of the industry and its potential future directions.

A large proportion of GHGs and ammonia are emitted from agricultural soils. Finding ways to reduce these agriculture-induced emissions has the potential to mitigate climate change and air pollution. This blog will describe how the combination of the Picarro G2508 five-species gas concentration analyzer and the Eosense eosAC Automated Soil Flux Chamber is helping researchers understand and advance climate-smart agriculture. 

Gas operators are increasingly being challenged to reduce methane emissions, and to do so in a continuous, verifiable way. This challenge at its most extreme has some cities recently banning natural gas in new construction. Further, as the infrastructure ages, gas operators face challenges in managing budgets and unplanned work due to an accelerating rate of growth in the number of leaks emerging from leak-prone pipe. These pressures are driving the need to manage gas assets as cost-effectively as possible.

As regulators implement new air quality standards targeted at commercial sterilization and chemical industries, there is a growing need for precise, turn-key monitoring systems that are proven to operate long-term at the fenceline and in communities. In this new blog, Dave Miller explains how Picarro is continuing to address this need with a recent addition to its family of ethylene oxide monitoring solutions.

Indoor air quality is highly correlated with the health of employees in workplaces where toxic gases are present. Companies using EtO need to adopt new monitoring approaches that provide a fast response and are specific and sensitive to low concentration levels of fugitive emissions. This new blog describes how to better monitor fugitive EtO emissions in the workplace with Picarro EtO monitoring solutions.

Jonathan Bent, Ph.D., Senior Application Scientist, Environmental

Measurement Location:
ORDEQ Near-road Site
Tualatin, OR
45.3992°, -122.7458°

 

Dr. Sze Tan, Picarro’s Principal Scientist and Research Fellow, has spent 20 years at Picarro pushing the limits of our technology. Learn how a visit to a landfill resulted in a new market for Picarro analyzers.

Pioneering countries are committing to reduce GHGs to achieve “dual carbon goals.” The implementation of their strategy relies on scientific monitoring and evaluation of emissions at local, regional, and continental levels. Learn how Picarro analyzers are used at every level.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is frequently used in sterilization processes, however, hazards exist from exposure to this toxic gas. This blog reviews the evolving federal rules governing source and fugitive emissions and highlights how Picarro and partners are enabling companies to monitor emissions and generate the defensible data they need to comply.

One of the best parts of my day is seeing customers’ social posts about how and where they’re using Picarro instruments. Selecting a Picarro is the best decision you can make for your project. The second-best decision is purchasing one of our new annual service plans.

At Picarro, we love when customers share their innovative integrations and applications of our analyzers in the field. This customer success story is highlighting Assistant Professor, Dr. Yuzhong Zhang of Westlake University, China. With the help of Beijing Cen-Sun Technology Development Co., our partners in China, Dr. Zhang recently set up a G2201-i within his car to obtain on-board GHG measurements. We are grateful to Dr. Zhang and Cen-Sun’s efforts for bringing us this wonderful story. Enjoy!

Picarro is proud to support important climate science. We are a partner of the DEEPICE project, an innovative training network in instrumentation, ice core analysis, and glaciological and climatic modelling. For their new European collaboration, we’re excited to support training schools and host an intern to assist in the development of analytical methods for ice core measurements that will answer key questions about the impact of large climate shifts on the Antarctic ice sheet.

High-precision trace gas measurements are required for a range of environmental research questions and for many industrial applications. However, hazardous, corrosive, and reactive gases can be difficult to trace, and the accuracy of standard gas concentrations can be unreliable. To solve this problem, Picarro has developed a method of surrogate gas validation for ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen fluoride, and formaldehyde.

To investigate how plant growth will be affected in the future, ecologists and plant biologists have setup Free-Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) facilities in various ecosystems around the world that imitate elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. A Picarro G2508 is being used at a FACE facility in Germany to investigate the response of a semi-natural grassland to changing environmental conditions.

Google “Laser-Based Diagnostics of Diamond Synthesis Reactors” and one of the first things you’ll see is Ed Wahl’s Stanford PhD thesis from 2001. Back then he was applying Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) to measure absolute CH3 and CH radical concentrations and temperatures in a hot-filament CVD (HFCVD) reactor. Today, he’s Director of Test and Manufacturing Technology for Picarro where, instead of applying it to his research, he’s in charge of building it into Picarro analyzers for customers to use in their research.

Hydrogen peroxide has a long history as a pharmaceutical sterilizer at high concentrations, and the claim by these manufacturers is that extremely low levels of hydrogen peroxide (10-20ppb or 0.01ppm) will attract and kill viral particles while not impacting human health. Instead of just treating air as it returns, these solutions seek to keep a constant low level of hydrogen peroxide in all habitable areas of a building.

September 16 is World Ozone Day. This year celebrates 35 years of the Vienna Convention and 35 years of global ozone layer protection. In honor of World Ozone Day, we’re taking a look back over the last decade at some of the important work customers all over the world have done using our gas analyzers to measure greenhouse gases in support of ozone research.

In the battle against infectious disease, sterilization of medical instrumentation is one of the most important steps to keeping patients safe. Various methods are used in modern hospitals to sterilize equipment, from steam sterilization to hydrogen peroxide.

Developing a regulatory and industrial mitigation response to ethylene oxide emissions (C2H4O / EtO) poses a centuries old scientific challenge – how do we fix a problem that we cannot measure?

One of our most popular pairings for a fully integrated soil flux measurement solution is Picarro’s G2000 series analyzers with Eosense’s eosAC Flux Chamber and eosMX Multiplexer. In this application, we see how our G2508 greenhouse gas analyzer is used with Eosense’s eosAC automated chambers and a modified, insulated enclosure for continuous measurements in periodically inundated fields. We’d like to thank Dr. Whendee L. Silver, Ph.D. candidate Tyler L. Anthony, and the Ecosystem Science Division team at University of California, Berkeley, USA for their contributions in this deployment.  

Tree methane (aka ‘Treethane’) emissions have been referred to as 'a new frontier in the global carbon cycle', (Barba et al., 2019) representing a field that is gaining rapid research momentum. Whilst this line of research is now my primary focus, it wasn’t always that way...

The year was 2008.  The second wave of therapeutic biological products was just around the corner.  By now it was known that many of these products were susceptible to oxidative damage by residual hydrogen peroxide left over after aeration of the aseptic processing equipment and barrier system.  How sensitive these products were to low concentrations of residual hydrogen peroxide was difficult to assess because there were no obvious measurement systems capable of quickly, accurately and precisely measuring vapor phase hydrogen peroxide below a few hundred parts per billion (ppb).

The most effective and valuable new therapeutic products today are biologics, including peptides, proteins, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), as well as cells, cell-derived products, and gene therapies. Many of these products are susceptible to oxidative damage by trace levels of hydrogen peroxide.

The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of rainfall is influenced by a variety of climatic factors such as air temperature, amount and origin of precipitation.

Anyone who has watched a hummingbird frantically sip from a flower or feeder can appreciate how beautiful, hyperactive, and hungry these tiny birds are. It often seems that they are constantly on the move, fiendishly searching for and defending the flowers that contain the sugary nectar they depend on.

From the Arctic tundra to the tropics of Mexico, from Los Angeles to Long Island, Stephen Conley and the pilots and scientists at Scientific Aviation have tracked and measured air pollution throughout North America using their fleet of light aircraft.

In this second part of the 2-part blog series on Real-Time Indoor Air Measurements of Ammonia, we present a short summary of House Observations of Microbial and Environmental Chemistry (HOMEChem), part of the Indoor Chem Project (https://indoorchem.org/). Enjoy!

In part 1 of this blog series, we explore how iCHEAR used a Picarro G2103 analyzer to provide real-time measurements of ammonia emissions to separate the contribution of exhaled and dermally emitted pollutants. What proportion of human emissions do you think can be measured and what proportion remain “missing”? Read on.