Abstract

The application of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) for studying the chemistry of the atmosphere on various platforms is well documented. This technique, for example, has been employed in laboratory kinetics and spectroscopic studies, in ground-based measurements, in measurements on conventional as well as high flying aircraft, and on balloon- borne payloads. The present talk will give a brief overview of these capabilities, detailing some of the atmospheric gases studied, the sensitivities achieved, and the current limitations of the technique. This will be followed by a discussion of a ground-based TDLAS system developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for studying various constituents, including the important reactive intermediate formaldehyde (HCHO). This system has recently been modified for aircraft operation and this will also be described.

© 1996 Optical Society of America