| Two atmospheric chemistry processes that contribute to environmental concerns have been explored using mid-infrared, lead-salt diode lasers. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy was used to determine concentrations of both NF3 and NH3. The focus of the NF3 research was to determine the magnitude of the nu1 absorption band in order to determine the effects of this molecule on global warming.; Deposition velocity is a proportionality constant between concentration and vertical flux to a surface. The magnitude of this constant for NH 3 depositing onto water is experimentally determined using both a small cell (425 mL) and a large chamber (335 L). The results from the chamber are then incorporated into a model in an attempt to better understand the atmospheric contribution to aqueous concentrations.; Near-infrared diode lasers were used in both integrated cavity output spectroscopy and cavity ringdown spectroscopy in an attempt to develop an air monitoring sensor. The following experiments were then performed determine the sensitivity, durability and dynamic range of these two techniques: flame characterization of HCN and C2H2 in a flame from a Wolfhard-Parker burner, obtaining isolated absorption features of CO, CO2, H 2O, HCN, NH3, CH4, and C2H4 in order to create calibration curves and determine detection limits, CO 2 classroom measurements, and CO2 isotope ratio measurements. |
