Laser Absorption Spectroscopy for Real-Time Atmospheric Gas Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping atmospheric gas concentrations are labor-intensive, provide limited spatial or temporal resolution, and are often delayed, with infrared cameras lacking sensitivity and being susceptible to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An Integrated Laser Absorption Spectroscopy system using multiple transceivers and reflectors to project and receive radiation at different wavelengths, enabling real-time spatial mapping of gas distributions over large areas with continuous monitoring and self-calibration for instrumental drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point measurement devices or ground chamber units are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but spatial resolution and productivity deteriorate due to labor-intensive deployment and limited coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual deployment of point sensors with an optical system using transceivers, reflectors, and laser beams to automatically map gas concentrations across large areas, eliminating labor-intensive field operations while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point measurements to multi-dimensional spatial mapping by using multiple transceivers positioned at different locations with reflectors creating multiple measurement paths through the target area, enabling comprehensive spatial coverage
2Speed
If infrared cameras are used for dynamic gas distribution measurement, then temporal resolution is improved, but sensitivity and reliability deteriorate due to susceptibility to environmental factors and limited detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter from broadband infrared radiation to specific molecular absorption wavelengths, allowing selective detection of target gases with high sensitivity while being less affected by general environmental temperature variations that affect broadband infrared cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces infrared camera-based detection with laser absorption spectroscopy using transceivers and reflectors, achieving both high temporal resolution through rapid sequential measurements and improved reliability through specific wavelength absorption that is less sensitive to environmental conditions
3Reliability
If data collection and quality control procedures are implemented, then measurement reliability is improved, but time delay increases causing loss of real-time feedback capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated measurements with real-time data processing and immediate feedback delivery, eliminating the batch processing delays inherent in manual quality control procedures while maintaining data reliability through automated validation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and automated quality control without requiring manual intervention, with transceivers automatically adjusting for instrumental drift and the processing system validating data quality in real-time, eliminating time delays associated with human-operated quality control procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, continuous monitoring of gas concentrations and flux with high accuracy and sensitivity, providing immediate feedback and detailed spatial maps of atmospheric gas distributions, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
An Integrated Laser Absorption Spectroscopy system using multiple transceivers and reflectors to project and receive radiation at different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
A first of the transceivers is configured to transmit radiation at each of the plurality of reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of reflectors arranged over an area, and a plurality of transceivers. A first of the transceivers is configured to transmit radiation at each of the plurality of reflectors at a first wavelength and a second wavelength, and receive radiation reflected from each of the plurality of reflectors. A second of the plurality of transceivers is configured to transmit radiation at each of the plurality of reflectors at a third wavelength and a fourth wavelength and receive radiation reflected from each of the plurality of reflectors. The apparatus includes a processor configured to calculate a change in concentration of a gas within the area between a first time and a second time based upon signals received from the transceivers.