The stratosphere plays a vital role in protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation and stabilising the climate, yet many of its processes remain poorly understood. Now, Lithuanian researchers are contributing to efforts to monitor this important atmospheric layer more precisely.
We are proud that RTO Lithuania expert and FTMC physicist Dr Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė is developing compact terahertz (THz) sensors designed to analyse the composition of stratospheric gases. Operating in the 2–5 THz frequency range, the sensors can detect unique spectral “fingerprints” of gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone, providing detailed insight into atmospheric changes linked to climate change.
Unlike existing bulky and expensive instruments, the new sensors are designed to be installed in the next-generation lightweight spectroscopy systems that will be suitable for deployment on scientific balloons, enabling measurements at higher altitudes in the stratosphere. This European project is being developed in collaboration with partners from the German Space Agency, the University of Leeds, and the Technical University of Munich.
The full article by Simonas Bendžius:
Funded by the European Union (Project 101244503 – AtSpecTS). The views and opinions expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.