LGR Launches Portable NO2 Analyzer with ppt (parts-per-trillion) Precision

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, February 28, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Los Gatos Research (LGR), the leader in precision trace gas analyzers, has introduced a unique and portable NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) analyzer that delivers parts per trillion (ppt) measurement precision in just seconds, directly from ambient air samples. Specifically, the LGR NO2 Analyzer provides 50 ppt measurement precision in a one second interval, which can be extended to 10 ppt precision with less than 1 minute of data integration. With a total measurement uncertainty of less than 1%, this new analyzer delivers higher speed and superior performance than older technologies based on chemiluminescence analyzers. Furthermore, it does not require any chemical processing, eliminating the use of potentially hazardous ozone or other consumables in this important air pollutant measurement. Together with fully automated operation, plus Ethernet and wireless connectivity, this rugged, lightweight and compact analyzer is ideal for use in unmanned monitoring stations and airborne applications, as well as in research and reference laboratories.

NO2 is an important EPA-regulated air pollutant with a well-established negative role in air quality. It is a toxic by-product of burning fossil fuels in automobiles, power plants, and other types of hydrocarbon combustion. Existing NO2 measurement methods are indirect, inaccurate and somewhat complex, for example requiring titration with ozone. In contrast, LGR's laser-based gas analyzers are based on the company's patented Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) technology, a fourth generation, cavity-enhanced laser absorption technique. This unique approach is both more rugged and more precise than earlier cavity-enhanced techniques, such as conventional cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), because the performance of OA-ICOS does not need ultra-precise alignment or sub nanometer stability of its optics, or a high degree of thermal control. This ensures higher absolute accuracy, longer maintenance intervals, higher reliability and reduced cost of ownership.

The LGR NO2 Analyzer was developed in response to a clear market need. "Atmospheric scientists have an urgent requirement for a rugged, portable and affordable NO2 analyzer," according to Jeff Stehr, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, University of Maryland. "We need this type of analyzer to support research based on both ground-based and airborne measurements. And regulatory agencies need a remotely operated precision NO2 analyzer to monitor local air quality for compliance with EPA regulations."

LGR (www.LGRinc.com) makes the world's most precise, rugged and reliable instruments for measurements of trace gases and isotopes. LGR instruments have been deployed by scientists for acquiring the most accurate measurements possible on all seven continents, in unmanned aerial vehicles, in mobile laboratories, on research and commercial aircraft, and in undersea vehicles.

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