Description: An aircraft system for detecting ambient methane will be developed in this project. The system will use a diode laser to perform a wavelength modulation absorption measurement of this greenhouse gas. The optical system will feature a open path system that is mounted outside the aircraft. The system will make measurements at a 10 Hz rate.

Benefits: The instrument developed in this project will be used to measure an important greenhouse gas which NASA is actively interested in their air campaigns. Because of its low weight, small size, and low power consumption, this instrument will be easily configured to perform measurements on a small unmanned aerial vehicle.

Aside from NASA, atmospheric researchers and other government agencies such as DOE and NCAR will have interest in using the instrument being developed for aerial campaigns. The Phase I apparatus can be used for car top natural gas leak detection by utility companies. The aircraft version of the instrument will have applications in pipeline monitoring and gas exploration.