Isotopic N2O Analyzer (site-specific δ15N, δ18O and N2O)

Isotopic N₂O Analyzer (site-specific δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O and N₂O)

N₂O is a linear, non-symmetric molecule (N–N–O), with one nitrogen atom at the center (alpha site) and one at the end (beta site). Therefore, one can distinguish between two structural isomers containing one heavy isotope of nitrogen, namely ¹⁴N¹⁵N¹⁶O and ¹⁵N¹⁴N¹⁶O, referred to as ¹⁵N^α and ¹⁵N^β, respectively.  The intramolecular distribution of ¹⁵N in N₂O can provide information about the geochemical cycle of N₂O because many biological and chemical processes have distinct isotopic signatures.

LGR’s Isotopic N₂O Analyzer (Isotopic Nitrous Oxide Analyzer) is the world’s first commercially available laser-based gas analyzer that measures isotopic site-specific (¹⁵N) nitrogen in N₂O. Employing a continuous-wave mid-infrared quantum cascade laser along with LGR’s patented cavity enhanced laser absorption spectroscopy technique (Off-axis ICOS), LGR’s Isotopic N₂O Analyzer provides continuous and precise measurements of the site-specific isotopic ratios δ¹⁵N^α and δ¹⁵N^β, and δ¹⁸O, of N₂O directly and without preconcentration.

This novel instrument may be used to elucidate processes in soil and wastewater incubation experiments (e.g., bacterial denitrification method) as well as in ambient air for source allocation.

The Isotopic N₂O Analyzer is now available in LGR’s “Enhanced Performance” package which incorporates proprietary internal thermal control. As demonstrated in other LGR instruments, including the GGA-24EP (CH₄, CO₂, H₂O), LGR’s EP Series provides ultra-stable measurements  with unsurpassed precision, accuracy and drift.  Moreover, only LGR’s analyzers provide reliable guaranteed measurements at mole fractions more than 20 times ambient levels directly (without preconcentration or dilution).

The Analyzer uses LGR’s Off-axis ICOS technology, a fourth-generation cavity enhanced absorption technique. Off-axis ICOS has many advantages over conventional Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS) techniques such as being alignment insensitive, having a much shorter measurement time (yielding a faster data rate), and not requiring expensive and power consuming auxiliary components.  The Analyzer includes an internal computer that can store data practically indefinitely on its internal hard drive (for applications requiring unattended longer term operation), and send real-time data to a data logger through its analog and digital (RS232) outputs.  In addition, all LGR Analyzers may be fully accessed and controlled over the Internet for remote diagnostics and unattended operation.

For use in soil flux applications, please ask about our Soil Flux package.