Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:42
Infrared Degenerate Four-wave Mixing with Upconversion Detection for Quantitative Gas Sensing
Published on: March 22, 2019
Mapping ammonia emission plumes using shortwave infrared imaging spectroscopy
Nicholas Balasus1, Daniel H Cusworth1, Jinsol Kim1
1Carbon Mapper, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Summary
New satellite technology using shortwave infrared imaging spectroscopy can now quantify atmospheric ammonia emissions. This method overcomes limitations of older techniques, offering a more effective way to monitor harmful air pollutants from industrial sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) emissions pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health.
- Traditional monitoring methods like thermal infrared spectroscopy face limitations in spatial resolution, measurement frequency, and thermal contrast requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel method for quantifying atmospheric ammonia emissions using shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging spectroscopy.
- To demonstrate the capability of SWIR imaging spectroscopy to overcome the limitations of existing ammonia monitoring techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing reflected sunlight in the shortwave infrared spectrum for ammonia detection, circumventing the need for thermal contrast.
- Employing the Tanager-1 satellite's imaging spectrometer data as a proof of concept.
- Quantifying ammonia emissions from industrial point sources.
Main Results:
- Successfully quantified ammonia emissions from industrial point sources in Pakistan and Uzbekistan using Tanager-1 satellite data.
- Demonstrated that SWIR imaging spectroscopy is a viable alternative for ammonia monitoring.
- Showcased the potential for a broader range of existing and future imaging spectrometers to contribute to ammonia observation systems.
Conclusions:
- Shortwave infrared imaging spectroscopy offers a promising, technologically advanced solution for monitoring atmospheric ammonia.
- This technique enhances the ability to track harmful ammonia emissions, aiding environmental and health protection efforts.
- The study paves the way for improved global ammonia emission inventories and regulatory compliance.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
01:30Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions,...
01:09Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview
When electromagnetic radiation passes through a material, atoms or molecules transition from a lower to a higher energy state by absorbing radiation corresponding to the energy difference between the two states. The absorption of infrared (IR) radiation causes transitions between vibrational energy levels in a molecule. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for determining the molecular structure of molecules.
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
01:02Flame Photometry: Overview
Flame photometry, also known as flame emission spectrometry, is a technique used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements present in a sample using a flame as the source of excitation energy. The concept of flame photometry was realized in the early 1860s by Kirchhoff and Bunsen, who discovered that specific elements emit characteristic radiation when excited in flames. The first instrument developed for this purpose was used to measure sodium (Na) in plant ash using a Bunsen...