High Speed and Low-Noise Open-Path Gas Detection System

Emissions and leaks of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals have immediate and serious consequences to the general public and the environment. Continuous and effective surveillance of both indoor and outdoor environments in which such emissions are highly probable is a critical step towards preventing and safely responding to such hazardous accidents. In particular, the ability to detect radioactive substances and monitor activities associated with isotope enrichment directly contributes to reducing radioactive pollution and preventing nuclear proliferation. We propose a multispecies gas sensor that can operate in long-range open path configuration with sub- millisecond time resolution. This allows a single sensor to survey a large area with the capability to monitor multiple species of interest simultaneously. Fast detection speed will allow timely interception of any moving plumes and monitor rapidly evolving emission sources. The main objective in Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of a rugged and compact QCL array-based sensor for remote detection of multiple chemical species commonly associated with emissions in nuclear industry enterprises. A long-range compatible telescope system will be constructed to perform remote sensing with hard targets at distances of up to 1 km. Spectrometer characterization in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, remote sensing range, and multispecies distinction capability will be performed with the prototype remote sensor. With the research and development enabled by the Phase I funding, we can thoroughly assess our sensing platform for remote sensing applications. An optimized and viable system design will be proposed by the end of Phase I, providing the foundation for construction and field tests of the improved system in Phase II. Phase III will leverage our in-house capability to reduce SWaP and improve system packaging for full commercialization of the sensor.