EM27/SUN Series FTIR Remote Sensing analyzer

Significance of the Topic

The EM27/SUN Series represents a major advance in field-deployable FTIR remote sensing for greenhouse gas monitoring. By quantifying total column concentrations of CO2 and CH4, it supports climate research, emission verification and air quality studies in locations with limited infrastructure.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work presents the EM27/SUN analyzers dedicated to atmospheric observations. Key aims include high-precision gas quantification, ease of use in remote campaigns, and minimal maintenance requirements. The study outlines design features, operating principle, and deployment examples.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The EM27/SUN uses solar absorption spectroscopy with a RockSolid interferometer and CAMTracker solar tracking system for stable, automated alignment. Two versions cover:

• NIR range: 5000–14500 cm−1 at 0.5 cm−1 resolution
• MIR range: 750–5200 cm−1 at 0.5 cm−1 (0.2 cm−1 high-resolution option)

Spectral components include quartz or ZnSe beamsplitters and internal NIR or blackbody sources. CAMTracker employs real-time camera feedback for sub-milliradian pointing accuracy. Instrument control is via TCP/IP and the compact housing permits rapid setup.

Key Results and Discussion

Field comparisons with TCCON’s IFS 125HR high-resolution spectrometer demonstrate excellent agreement in CO2 column retrievals. The EM27/SUN provides reliable measurements under variable cloud cover and inhomogeneous illumination. Example spectra from NIR and MIR versions confirm sensitivity to trace gas absorption features.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Major advantages include:

• Direct total column measurements of atmospheric gases
• Rapid deployment and simple alignment
• No requirement for specialized optical elements
• Robust performance in remote or harsh environments
• Quantification of emission source strengths by networked deployment around emission points

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future development may focus on integration into global observation networks, unmanned platforms, real-time data transmission and broader spectral coverage. Advanced data analysis and sensor miniaturization will open new applications in urban monitoring, volcano surveillance and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

The EM27/SUN Series combines portability, precision and automation to fill a critical gap between large high-resolution FTIR systems and point sensors. Its ability to deliver total column greenhouse gas data with minimal infrastructure makes it a valuable tool for research and operational monitoring.

References

F. Hase et al., Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 8, 3059–3068 (2015)
M. Gisi et al., Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 5, 2969–2980 (2012)