Free-Form Dual-Comb Spectroscopy

NIST’s Breakthrough for Real-Time Greenhouse Gas Emission Detection

The fight against climate change has become more urgent as global temperatures continue to rise due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Among these gases, methane stands out as one of the most harmful, with a warming potential more than 25 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Despite its critical impact, methane is notoriously difficult to detect in real time, especially in industrial settings where leaks can occur unexpectedly.

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a cutting-edge technology known as free-form dual-comb spectroscopy, which has the potential to transform the way we monitor greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative system allows for real-time detection of gases like methane, enabling faster responses to leaks and more accurate environmental monitoring. By improving detection capabilities, free-form dual-comb spectroscopy offers a powerful tool in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

The Challenge of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are compounds in the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the warming of the planet. While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most widely recognized greenhouse gas, methane (CH4) is far more potent in the short term. Methane is responsible for about 20% of the world’s…