Articles | Volume 5, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-5-363-2012
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-5-363-2012
Research article
 | 
15 Feb 2012
Research article |  | 15 Feb 2012

A fast and precise chemiluminescence ozone detector for eddy flux and airborne application

A. Zahn, J. Weppner, H. Widmann, K. Schlote-Holubek, B. Burger, T. Kühner, and H. Franke

Abstract. A commercially available dry chemiluminescence (CI) instrument for fast and precise measurement of ozone (O3) is specified. The sensitivity is ~9000 counts s−1 per ppbv of ozone. Its precision is entirely determined by the number of photons reaching the detector (being a photomultiplier), i.e. is quantum-noise limited. The relative precision (ΔO3/O3 in %) thus follows Poisson statistics and scales with the square root of the measurement frequency f and with the inverse O3 mixing ratio: ΔO3/O3f0.5 · O3−0.5. At typical O3 mixing ratios between 10 and 100 ppbv (and 1 bar), the precision is 0.3–1.0% at f = 10 Hz. The maximum measurement frequency is 50 Hz. The mechanical and electronic set-up as well as the instrument performance is described. Recommendations on the adequate inlet tube configuration (inlet tube length, sampling flow) and on the way of calibration at stationary ground-based platforms and onboard aircraft are given.