LGR Launches Unique Gas Analyzer for Quantitative Detection of Carbonyl Sulfide (OCS) Anywhere

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Gatos Research (LGR), the leader in precision trace gas analyzers, has launched an ultra-sensitive analyzer that provides real-time, direct and automated measurement of carbonyl sulfide (OCS or COS) in ambient air samples with parts-per-trillion precision and at rates as fast as 10 Hz. This new OCS Analyzer also provides simultaneous measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) over a wide range of mole fractions, and without cross-sensitivity to other atmospheric species. The new OCS Analyzer does not require sample drying or any pre-treatment, which simplifies operation in the field, as well as in research and reference laboratories. In addition, the field-proven reliability of LGR's gas analyzers, accessories and capabilities (including the Data Logging Software, Multiport Inlet Unit, and Ethernet/wireless connectivity), facilitate deployment in remote, unattended monitoring applications.

OCS is an atmospheric gas that is gaining interest as a useful tracer to assess gross photosynthesis activity in plant canopies; plants uptake OCS and CO2 during respiration, but only generate CO2 by photosynthesis. Simultaneous logging of the concentrations of both gas species thus enables net photosynthetic production to be monitored. Moreover, OCS is the most abundant sulfur containing gas in the atmosphere and has been implicated in controlling the sulfur budget and aerosol loading of the stratosphere. Since OCS is typically only present in air at about 500 parts per trillion (global average), extreme sensitivity is required, without cross-sensitivity with other atmospheric gases such as CO2, CH4 and H2O, which are typically present at much higher concentrations.

LGR precision gas 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. 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.

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SOURCE LGR, Inc.