Remote detection of chemicals with passive millimeter waves.
Passive millimeter-wave (mmW) systems have been used in the past to remotely map solid targets and to measure low-pressure spectral lines of stratospheric and interstellar gases; however, its application to pressure-broadened spectral detection of terrestrial gases is new. A radiative transfer model was developed to determine the detection feasibility and system requirements for passive mmW spectral detection. A Dicke-switched multispectral radiometer that operates at 146-154 GHz was designed and built for remote detection of stack gases. The radiometer was tested in the laboratory using a gas cell; the spectra of acetonitrile were detected passively against a cold background, which mimicked typical remote detection scenarios in the field. With Dicke-switched integration of radiometric signals, on-line calibration, and novel signal processing to minimize atmospheric fluctuation, spectral line detection of polar molecules is possible from chemical plumes a few kilometers away.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOD
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 977007
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/NE/CP-119279; TRN: US201009%%19
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: SPIE Conference on Chemical and Biological Sensors for Industrial and Environmental Monitoring; Oct. 3, 2006 - Oct. 4, 2006; Boston, MA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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