Dual-Comb Spectroscopy to Tethered Balloon System (DCS to TBS) Field Campaign Report

There is a critical need for the ability to detect, quantify, and attribute sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs) with high temporal and spatial resolution. Current methods are typically based on continuously operating near-surface point sensors or intermittent aerial/satellite observations. Dual optical frequency comb spectroscopy (“dual-comb spectroscopy”; DCS) is a laser-based technique that can bridge this sensing gap by providing high-precision, high-accuracy, and high-temporal-resolution detection and quantification of trace gases over kilometer-length scales, connecting local and regional observations. A single DCS system can also provide spatial resolution for source/sink attribution with the addition of a few minor optical elements, enabling cross-validation of other observations (e.g., Total Carbon Column Observing Network [TCCON], Orbiting Carbon Observatory [OCO-2/3], Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite [GOSAT-1/2][).. Authors: Schwindt, Peter [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; Christensen, Allie [National Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States)]; Coddington, Ian [National Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States)]; Cossel, Kevin C. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; De Smet, Dennis J. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]. DOE Contract: AC05-76RL01830; AC05-00OR22725. Subjects: 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES