Aerial Gas Sensing Using Drone-Borne Retro-Reflector (RR)

Micro-Drone with a Cylindrical Retro-Reflector

Detection Method:

A micro-drone carries an RR through the target area
Computers records path-integrated gas levels
Data processing algorithm creates a 3-D plot of gas concentrations in the area
The position and activity of an emission source can be assessed using plume modeling tools

Testing the method:

Drone: DJI Tello, flight height up to 50 m
Take-off weight: 110 g (including RR)
Flight distance: up to 100 m; flight time: ~ 10 min
Actual working RR area: 10 x 10 cm²

A transceiver is aimed at the drone-borne RR to measure path-averaged gas concentrations using the tunable laser diode absorption spectroscopy method.

MAIN FEATURES AND SPECIFICATION

Laser diode wavelength for methane detection - 1645 nm
Primary mirror diameter: 5 inch (110 mm)
Aiming optics: a red-dot reflex sight
Maximum distance using a 10 x 10-cm² RR: ~ 50 m
Detection limit: ~ 10 ppm·m (part per million over a 1-m absorption path length)

© LightPeaks Inc. 2011 - 2025