Remote compact robotic-optical sensor for long range chemical detection
Abstract
"Develop and demonstrate a novel remote robotic optical sensor approach which can dramatically extend the range of various active optical interrogation techniques (e.g. Raman, LIBS, and Fluorescence). This can allow for the possibility of detecting explosive residues, chemicals and other hazardous materials at long ranges up to several hundred meters with good signal to noise ratio. This project will conduct a basic science study to understand the advantages and limitations of the new remote robotic optical sensor approach. As part of this project, a prototype instrument will be developed and field tested to characterize its performance. The instrument will be field tested at ranges from 10 m to 1000 m to detect chemical residue on the ground using remote Raman spectroscopy with single laser pulse excitation and also with 20 laser pulses excitation, equivalent to 1 s detection time. The project requires developing a two component system, namely an (1) Active Transmitter-Receiver (ATR) and a (2) distant Focusing Rover (FR). The ATR for remote spectroscopy interrogation will be a compact laser based instrument with a suitable detector for chemical analysis. The ATR system will send out a collimated laser beam towards a distant FR. The FR will redirect and focus the laser beam onto a target. The FR will also collect some of the scattered optical radiation from the target and send it back to the ATR for chemical analysis. Under this project we will develop a compact remote Raman system for use as an ATR. The FR will be based on a commercially off the shelf (COTS) remote controlled hobby vehicle which will be controlled to pass over the distant target and for scanning an area of interest. Basic science research is needed to demonstrate the proof of concept and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed technology. In addition to Raman analysis, the proof of concept developed here will be applicable to other methods of chemical detection using an optical signal collected by the FR. The ATR-FR concept is flexible and platform agnostic and could be adapted to other optical spectroscopic techniques by simply replacing the ATR."
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512575
Entities
People
- Anupam K Misra
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Hawaiʻi System