Gas cell correlation spectrometer: GASPEC

A new gas filter correlation spectrometer (GASPEC), for the remote detection of trace vapors in the atmosphere by means of natural emission in the ir, is described. Unique optical features of the GASPEC include two detectors using a single focal plane chopper plus an optical reference for electronic gain balancing. Continuous sensor balance and calibration are achieved along with the source radiometric and target gas information. Several GASPEC instruments have been built and tested including devices to sense CH(4), C(2)H(6), HCI, and CO. Some preliminary data taken with these sensors are presented.