NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

IRIS is an ultra sensive laser spectrometer for in situ detection of the isotopic composition of water vapor in the higher tropopause and the lower stratosphere. The isotope signals may be used to quantify troposphere-stratosphere exchange, and to study the water chemistry in the stratosphere. IRIS is based on the technique of optical-feedback cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy. It uses a room temperature infrared laser, needing no crygens. The instrument combines a low weight (< 50 kg) and volume (< 50 L) with a low power consumption (< 200 W), making it uniquely suitable for future deployment on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

ALIAS (Aircraft Laser Infrared Absorption Spectrometer) measures total water, total water isotopes, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide isotope ratios. No other instrument provides real-time measurements of carbon dioxide isotope ratios which are clear identifiers of atmospheric transport (18O/17O/16O for stratospheric intrusion, 13C/12C for anthropogenic signals). ALIAS easily adapts to changing mission priorities and can be configured to measure HCl, CH4, SO2, and N2O by simply replacing a semiconductor laser. These measurements contribute to Atmospheric Composition Focus Area research by providing key data on how convective processes affect stratospheric composition, the development of cirrus particles and their affect on Earth's radiative balance, and health of the ozone layer through measurement of chlorine partitioning.