Application of a multi-laser tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer for atmospheric trace gas measurements at sub-ppbv levels.

We describe the application of a three-laser tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS), called 'tracer in-situ TDLAS for atmospheric research' (TRISTAR), to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), during an intensive measurement campaign on Mt. Cimone (44 degrees 11'N, 10 degrees 42'E, 2165 m asl), Northern Appenines, Italy in June 2000 as part of the EU-project 'mineral dust and tropospheric chemistry' (MINATROC). The TRISTAR instrument was a major component of an instrument package, provided by the Max-Planck-Insitut für Chemie, to investigate free tropospheric gas-phase chemistry over the Appenines. Here we discuss the optical, electronic, gas flow, and calibration setup of the TDLAS used during the campaign. We characterized extensively the instrument's performance during a preparatory phase in the laboratory and compared the laboratory results to the in-field results. Consistency checks with additional trace gas measurements obtained during the campaign create high confidence in the measured concentrations. Correlations between different trace gas species, along with other evaluation tools, allow a full chemical characterization of air masses to meet the goals of the campaign.