Development of a Full-Spectrum Raman Device for Detection of Environmental Contaminants

University of Utah

NASA needs sensors to accurately monitor the water and atmospheric quality in its space habitat. Concerns for health and safety necessitate the development of sensors to measure common atmospheric gas concentrations, as well as trace contaminants (low ppm or ppb), including both combustible and noncombustible gases. The University of Utah is developing an enhanced Raman monitoring system to detect airborne, environmental contaminants. We have collected laboratory data to benchmark current laser Raman technology for gas analysis, which provides a reference for future developments. The objective of this project was to design a prototype gas-phase monitor, incorporating new technology that would provide an accurate assessment of air quality aboard the space habitat. To accomplish this task, the monitoring system would need to be real-time, with full-spectrum capabilities for detection of all gas species contained in a sample. Finally, the instrument requires a high degree of sensitivity to detect gas concentrations in the low part-per-million range. Evaluation of the prototype instrument was performed to experimentally measure the lower detection limits for nitrogen and carbon monoxide. The experiments revealed several factors which were limiting the sensitivity of the system. These limitations can be resolved, and improvements will be implemented in a modified version of the device.