World's First Triple Isotope CO2 Analyzer Measures delta-13C, delta-17O, delta-18O, and CO2 Mole Fraction

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, March 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) Los Gatos Research (LGR), the leader in precision trace gas and isotope analyzers, has introduced the world's first instrument to simultaneously and continuously provide all three stable isotope ratios (delta-13C, delta-17O, and delta-18O) for CO2, directly from ambient air samples with no pre-concentration required. With data sampling rates as fast as 10 Hz, the Triple Isotope CO2 Analyzer provides a real-time and field-portable alternative to traditional, lab-bound isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). And unlike competitive instruments that use first-generation CRDS and near-IR diode lasers, this LGR analyzer has no cross-sensitivity to methane or other hydrocarbons and is thus ideal for direct measurements in ambient air with high methane levels, or even in natural gas. Moreover, the Triple Isotope CO2 Analyzer is the only instrument that can record measurements in continuously flowing air samples and/or be used for measurements of discrete volume samples via syringe injection. Precision and sensitivity are similar to conventional laboratory-bound instrumentation (isotope ratio mass spectrometers) but without all of the concomitant complications and cost. Moreover, since the Triple Isotope CO2 Analyzer measures all the stable isotopologues of carbon dioxide (12CO2, 13CO2, C18O16O and 12C17O16O) simultaneously, this new instrument offers the potential for setting new standards for accurate total mole fraction measurements of this important greenhouse gas and atmospheric constituent.

Stable isotope ratios are routinely monitored by atmospheric scientists, greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring agencies, biologists, meteorologists, and others. That's because each carbon dioxide source has a unique isotopic signature, thus enabling carbon dioxide created from fossil fuel combustion to be distinguished from carbon dioxide generated by biogenic sources. As a result, remote and/or airborne measurements can be used to map the flow of CO2 from various industrial sources, agricultural sources, from extended air masses, or sequestration projects. To date, the cost and complexity of IRMS has prevented the acquisition of real-time multi-isotope data in the field and at remote locations. In contrast, the new Triple Isotope CO2 Analyzer is transportable, self-contained, rugged and simple to operate. With Ethernet/wireless connectivity, this new isotopic analyzer is ideal for use in both unmanned locations and as a reference laboratory instrument.

LGR precision gas and isotope 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 the highest absolute accuracy and linearity, longer maintenance intervals, higher reliability and significantly reduced cost of ownership.

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.