Picarro G2401-mc

The Picarro G2401-mc utilizes wavelength scanned cavity ring down spectroscopy, a technique wherein the exponential decay of optical extinction within a resonant cavity is modified by molecular absorption. This decay time is called a ring-down time. Over a specific wavelength range, ring-down times are proportional to the concentration of the absorbing species. 

Model G2401-mc provides time series of the dry mole fraction of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and carbon monoxide, and mole fraction of water vapor (H₂O). Sampling rates typically range from 0.25 - 0.77 Hz.

Acquired in 2017, the instrument was modified in collaboration with Picarro in 2018 to add several lower cell pressure modes of operation. This added functionality allows optimization of the trade off between high altitude operation (~15 km) and resolution (both temporal and mole fraction). The table below shows the expected performance specifications for each mode.

The G2401-mc is certified for operation on both the NSF NCAR Gulfstream V and the NSF NCAR C-130. More information can also be found here.