Millikelvin thermal dynamics of infrared scenes: sensitivity limits on optical detection of gas leaks

Nathan Hagen

doi:10.1117/12.2273639

30 August 2017 Millikelvin thermal dynamics of infrared scenes: sensitivity limits on optical detection of gas leaks

Nathan Hagen

Proceedings Volume 10403, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXV; 104030G (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2273639
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2017, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Imaging the thermal changes in a scene at the millikelvin level reveals a fascinating world that we normally cannot see. Wind passing over the ground produces dynamic thermal striations that indicate the wind direction and speed. Trace quantities of infrared gases passing across the field of view create subtle thermal dynamics patterns that can be used to detect gas leaks. Combining these two effects, we show that the thermal signatures induced by air turbulence create a fundamental lower limit on the ability to detect trace gases with infrared imaging, independent of measurement noise.

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Citation Download Citation

Nathan Hagen "Millikelvin thermal dynamics of infrared scenes: sensitivity limits on optical detection of gas leaks", Proc. SPIE 10403, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXV, 104030G (30 August 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2273639

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