ADVANCES IN OPTICAL WATER ISOTOPE RATIO MEASUREMENTS

摘要

Isotope ratio mass spectrometers routinely achieve impressive measurementprecisions and high throughput. In spite of this, a number of fundamental and practicalproblems are encountered. These are most notable in the case of water, arguably themost important molecule in the environment. Optical techniques to measure stableisotope ratios are able to address at least some of these issues; particularly, in relation tosample pretreatment and the difficulty of in-situ measurements. After discussing somegeneral design criteria for infrared laser-based isotope ratio spectrometers, the casemade above will be illustrated with a number of different instruments in applicationsfrom earthbound to the atmospheric: From laboratory based ice-core water isotopeanalyses to in-situ water isotope measurements in the upper troposphere and lowerstratosphere.