Development and Integration of Laser-Based Sensors for VOC/NOx and Metals Emissions Monitoring

WP-1060

Objective

WP-1060 Project Graphic

Schematic of PPLN Laser and PAS Spectrometer

Innovative, cost-effective technologies are required for the Department of Defense (DoD) air emissions control applications to avoid harmful environmental impacts, major compliance-related issues, or cost escalations.

This project is developing a portable, laser-based system for combined monitoring of volatile organic compounds/ nitrogen oxides (VOC/NOx) and metals.

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Technical Approach

For gaseous pollutants, novel, periodically-poled, lithium niobate (PPLN) laser technology is being utilized in a photo-acoustic spectrometer (PAS) in the mid-infrared (IR) range. For metals emissions monitoring, laser induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) using currently available solid-state diode lasers for plasma ignition and spark generation is being evaluated for long-term operation. For combined monitoring, a common laser must serve a dual purpose as the pump source for the PPLN laser and the spark source for the LIPS measurement.

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Results

For the IR spectrometer, work has focused on tuning the PPLN, reducing the oscillation threshold, and optimizing the detection sensitivity through the use of acoustically resonant cells. The laser and the photo-acoustic apparatus have been integrated to demonstrate coarsely-tuned photo-acoustic scans over broad ranges in the C-H bond stretching region. For the portable LIPS, a series of experiments using mercury as a surrogate species successfully unraveled the coupling effects of laser wavelength, power density, and sample matrix in plasma initiation and signal detection. To integrate actual hardware, commonality between the IR spectrometer and the LIPS instrument is being exploited to the fullest extent possible without sacrificing performance. The feasibility of sharing the laser source, the sample interaction region, and the operating software are being investigated.

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Benefits

This technology will allow, for the first time, near real time, in-situ analysis for monitoring a range of species (metals and gases) with higher sensitivity than previously achievable.There are also potential applications in process control and atmospheric chemistry research. Moreover, the compact size of this new system is attractive, and its cost is anticipated to be competitive with many conventional laboratory analytical services.

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Project Documents

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Scott Bisson

Sandia National Laboratories

Phone: 925-294-2467

Fax: 925-294-2276

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Project Documents

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.