Heidelberg 2006 – scientific programme
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UP: Umweltphysik
UP 18: Atmosph
ärische Spurengase und Aerosole: Instrumentelles
UP 18.3: Fachvortrag
Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 17:00–17:15, E
Nitrogen oxide measurements in urban environments using a novel LED-powered Long-Path DOAS instrument — •Christoph Kern1, Sebastian Trick2, Jutta Zingler1, Bernhard Rippel1, Daniel Pedersen3, and Ulrich Platt1 — 1Institut für Umweltphysik, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 229, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany — 2now at: ABB Automation GmbH, DEATG / F - Analytical, Stierstädter Str. 5, 60488 Frankfurt, Germany — 3Institute of Earth Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond Safra Campus, Givat Ram, IL-91904 Jerusalem, Israel
Nitrogen oxides such as NO2 and the nitrate radical NO3 play an important role in the chemical processes of the urban boundary layer. The Long-Path Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) measurement technique is a well established method for measuring atmospheric trace gases such as these. Steady advances in light-emitting diode (LED) technology have led to the applicability of LEDs as light sources for active DOAS measurements, where they represent a potentially very advantageous alternative to common thermal emitters for a variety of reasons including low cost, high durability and reduced power consumption. The assets and drawbacks of these modern light sources will be discussed, and the design of a first LED-powered instrument shown. The novel instrumentation was used to conduct nitrogen oxide measurements over the cites of Heidelberg, Germany and Jerusalem, Israel. The results of these measurements will be presented as an example of how LED-powered Long-Path DOAS instruments can facilitate highly sensitive pollution monitoring in urban environments.