Atmospheric Trace Gas Measurements Using Matrix Isolation - FTIR Spectroscopy

The technique of matrix isolation combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been developed as a sensitive method for atmospheric trace gas analysis. Matrices of solid CO2 are grown at 77K using natural CO2 as the matrix material, in which the atmospheric trace gases are embedded. Analysis of the matrix by FTIR absorption spectroscopy yields simultaneous measurements of a wide range of atmospheric trace gas species, including unstable and reactive ones, with detection limits typically around 101i molecules or 10-11 mixing ratio from a 20-40 litre air sample.