Abstract

Frequency-modulation-enhanced magnetic rotation spectroscopy has been shown to be a sensitive and selective technique for detecting local concentrations of gaseous NO₂. Detection levels of 20 parts in 10⁹ have been achieved in the laboratory (in the presence of larger ambient atmospheric levels). Simple signal-processing algorithms, demonstrated here, promise detection levels at the parts-in-10¹² level. Improvements are suggested for further optimization of the technique, and the effects of background atmospheric NO₂ levels are discussed.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

Prognosis for a mid-infrared magnetic rotation spectrometer for the in situ detection of atmospheric free radicals

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