Accurate instrumentation is needed for observations over a wide range of spectral and temporal scales. This project focuses on designing, building, and calibrating the first of a new generation of optical sensors for nitrogen oxide radicals and their precursors. The new instrument will be used to make spatially and temporally correlated measurements of the concentrations of NO and NO 2 . Understanding the role of NO x in controlling production of these species is fundamental to reliable climate and air quality modeling. The laser will be used as a source for fluorescence spectroscopy of NO 2 .
Initial results are encouraging.
Ongoing efforts to integrate and automate this instrument are expected to lead to an operational field instrument by the fall of 1997.