Backscatter absorption gas imaging system

Patent · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:865686

A video imaging system for detecting hazardous gas leaks. Visual displays of invisible gas clouds are produced by radiation augmentation of the field of view of an imaging device by radiation corresponding to an absorption line of the gas to be detected. The field of view of an imager is irradiated by a laser. The imager receives both backscattered laser light and background radiation. When a detectable gas is present, the backscattered laser light is highly attenuated, producing a region of contrast or shadow on the image. A flying spot imaging system is utilized to synchronously irradiate and scan the area to lower laser power requirements. The imager signal is processed to produce a video display.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4555627
• OSTI ID: 865686
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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absorption
absorption line
attenuated
augmentation
background
background radiation
backscatter
backscattered
clouds
contrast
corresponding
detectable
detected
detecting
device
display
displays
field
flying
gas
gas leak
gas leaks
hazardous
highly
image
imager
imaging
imaging device
invisible
irradiate
irradiated
laser
laser light
laser power
leaks
light
line
power
power requirement
power requirements
processed
produce
produced
producing
radiation
radiation corresponding
receives
region
requirements
scan
shadow
signal
spot
synchronously
utilized
video
video display
view
visual
visual display