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A photothermal interferometer for gas-phase ammonia detection.

M A Owens¹, C C Davis, R R Dickerson

¹Chemical Physics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742.

Analytical Chemistry

|June 14, 2011

Summary

This study introduces a novel photothermal interferometer for sensitive, in situ detection of gas-phase ammonia. The instrument achieves a low detection limit and fast response time, overcoming challenges in ambient air monitoring.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

Detecting low concentrations of gas-phase ammonia (NH3) in ambient air is difficult due to its low abundance (<1 ppb).
Ammonia's tendency to adsorb onto surfaces and interference from ammonium particles complicate accurate gas-phase measurements.
Existing methods often struggle with sensitivity, sample loss, and real-time atmospheric monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and demonstrate a new, highly sensitive instrument for in situ detection of gas-phase ammonia.
To overcome the challenges associated with low ambient ammonia concentrations and potential interferences.
To provide a reliable method for real-time atmospheric ammonia monitoring.

Main Methods:

Utilized a photothermal interferometer employing a CO2 laser at 9.22 μm to detect ammonia absorption.
Measured refractive index changes caused by laser-induced collisional heating and expansion.
Employed a lock-in amplifier for signal detection, with a glass-only sample cell to minimize adsorption.

Main Results:

Achieved an instrumental lower limit of detection of 6.6 parts per trillion (ppt) ammonia in 1 second.
Demonstrated 2σ precision of 31 ppt with 100s integration and 250 ppt with 1s integration.
Confirmed signal linearity over 5 orders of magnitude and an instrument response time of approximately 1 second.

Conclusions:

The developed photothermal interferometer offers a sensitive and rapid method for in situ gas-phase ammonia detection.
The instrument's design minimizes sample loss and interference, making it suitable for challenging atmospheric conditions.
This technology advances capabilities for real-time monitoring of atmospheric ammonia concentrations.