Backscatter absorption gas imaging system

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:865686

McRae, Jr., Thomas G. ^[1]

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1. (Livermore, CA)

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 (United States)
• 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

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