- 1Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- 2Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg, Germany
- 3Institute of Environmental Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- 4Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- 5Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
Estimating emissions of trace gases into the lower troposphere requires accurate concentration measurements of the species of interest. Most commonly, they are provided by networks of in-situ sensors or remote sensing instruments on satellites. In high-gradient environments (e.g. urban settings), in-situ instruments are only spatially representative for a small area. On the other hand, many satellites average on the kilometer scale on which also the aggregation of the data for inversion modelling takes place. But satellites can only provide data for sunny weather conditions, at best once a day in a specific region and typically lack sensitivity for local enhancements. Path averaged measurements of trace gases can potentially fill this observation gap. Between all the technological options for such measurements, dual comb spectroscopy (DCS) can provide high resolution spectra at high brightness with basically no instrument line function, all of which have already been demonstrated in the field [1]. But the high costs and the amount of experience required to set up and run such a system limit the application to metrology experts. With developments in recent years, like the commercial availability of turn-key frequency combs, DCS becomes a more realistic option for a wider scientific community and industry.
Here, we present our DCS setup, which is intended for greenhouse gas quantification in the near infra-red. Where possible, we used readily available parts and solutions. We present our current setup and first results obtained, as well as lessons learned and experiences gained in the process.
[1] Sean Coburn et al., "Regional trace-gas source attribution using a field-deployed dual frequency comb spectrometer," Optica 5, 320-327 (2018), DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.5.000320.
How to cite: Schmitt, T. D., Dubroeucq, R., Pfeifer, T., Butz, A., and Oberthaler, M. K.: A dual-comb spectrometer for remote sensing of greenhouse gases from commercially available devices and components – a progress report., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17500, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17500, 2025.