Empa is the interdisciplinary research and services institution for material sciences and technology development within the ETH Domain. The Laboratory for Air Pollutionand Environmental Technology studies processes at the technosphere-atmosphere interface as a contribution to a healthy and safe environment. Based on state-of-the art measurement techniques and modeling tools we develop technological solutions and provide scenarios for economical and political decision makers.
For our SNF project on the analysis of methane isotopic species we offer a PhD position in laser based ambient air analysis. Methane (CH4) is the second most important of the anthropogenically influenced greenhouse gases. Since the major sources and sinks have distinct isotopic signatures, selective measurements of the stable isotopologues improve the constrains for emission sources and the global budget. This can be achieved using laser based absorption spectroscopy in the mid-infrared, which distinguishes between all relevant CH4 isotopic species because of their characteristic rotational-vibrational transitions.
You will adapt a laser spectrometer to continuously monitor 13C-CH4 and D-CH4, based on state of the art quantum cascade lasers. To obtain the necessary precision at ambient concentrations, this also implies the development and validation of an automated preconcentration unit.
PhD position in laser based ambient air analysis
