Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas that also affects the ozone layer. To better understand how N2O is produced and consumed in soils, oceans, the atmosphere, and wastewater, scientists measure its isotopes—slightly different forms of the same molecule that reveal its sources and transformation processes. Until now, making these measurements has often been complex and slow.

Picarro has developed a new instrument, the PI5131-i isotopic N2O analyzer, that can measure multiple isotopic signatures of N2O continuously with high precision. The analyzer uses advanced laser technology to deliver stable and reliable results. It can also be paired with Picarro’s new Sage gas autosampler, which makes it possible to process many small gas samples automatically. Together, these tools provide scientists with an efficient way to study N2O across a wide range of environments