Development of methane detection system

Abstract

The paper describes the design, development and examination of a prototype dual He-Ne IHe-Xe laser system for gas detection using differential absorption of radiation backscattered from topographic targets. Both lasers were excited by RF discharge. For lengths of 50 cm we obtained the output power of about 10 mW. Using receiver optics with the diameter of 7 cm and thermocooled HgCdTe detector the presence of methane on the distance up to 50m. can be measured. The new solution is under construction. To increase the range of measurement Casseigrain optics with diameter of 30 cm is being prepared. Using the special construction of gas lasers with the output power of 30 mW, the measurement distance of 200 m is expected.