ARSF project GB08/01: Development and Field-trials of a Multi-species Quantum Cascade Laser Spectrometer. Led by: Dr. Nigel Langford, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, J.A. Bldg, 107 Rottenrow E. Glasgow G4 ONG. Location: Delamere Wood, Cheshire, UK.

To test a compact multi-species, multi-laser, mid-Infrared quantum cascade (QC) laser spectrometer which we were developing for aircraft operation. This instrument was based both on the spectrometer flown successfully in October 2006, and on the Cascade Technologies instrument developed for analysing stack gas emissions from ships. In the 2006 flights evidence for rapid variations in the methane concentration in localised regions of the flight paths was found. The flight paths are repeated with the new instrument to investigate whether any corresponding fluctuations and the other detected molecules occur. By Identifying the species whose signatures are co-located we wished to show that the instrument may aid the source apportionment of common atmospheric pollutants. Following an analysis of the performance of the instrument, both In the aircraft, and for ground based measurements of trace gas fluctuations, we intended to incorporate the information gained from the flights into the final spectrometer design.