A group of researchers has developed a single-photon Raman lidar system that seeks to improve underwater detection capabilities. This compact and efficient system can be deployed for the identification of substances such as hydrocarbons at various distances underwater.
Oil detection with the Raman lidar system
Unlike its predecessors, which were bulky and energy-hungry, this new technology has the potential to be used in autonomous underwater vehicles, improving marine surveillance and scientific research.
Lidar technology, which uses laser light to detect objects or substances at a distance, has been widely used on the surface. However, its implementation underwater has been limited due to the complexity and size of previous systems. The new single-photon system, developed by a team at Xiamen University in China, substantially improves energy efficiency, operating with just 1 μJ of energy per pulse.
The system has been tested in real-life conditions, proving its ability to detect and differentiate oil thicknesses in water at a distance of up to 12 metres. It is a valuable tool for remote detection of oil spills . Furthermore, its precision and small size make it suitable for integration into autonomous underwater vehicles, which could change the way environmental monitoring is carried out.
Researchers are working to improve spectral resolution and expand the system’s capabilities. Incorporating multiple detection channels could enable the identification of multiple substances and underwater features, from corals to marine resources such as manganese nodules.
This breakthrough represents an important step towards creating more efficient and accessible environmental monitoring systems. With a focus on sustainability and marine environmental protection, single-photon Raman lidar opens up new possibilities for ocean research and underwater surveillance.
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Source and photos: Mingjia Shangguan, Xiamen University / Optica
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