Smoke detection using a compact and eye-safe lidar

Cloud ceiling determination using laser radar (lidar) is a well known application of this remote sensing technique. It is no problem to measure large distances up to some kilometers, since the particles of interest (water droplets) reflect the laser radiation pretty well, even when using very tiny light sources (eye safety criterion). This detection of white scatterers (clouds) points of course to the question whether it will be possible to measure dark particles for example smoke as well. The possible measurement range of the remote sensing smoke detectors cover medium scale observations, like corridor sensors, as well as large scale systems, like replacing fire alarm sensors in a tunnel by one single lidar system. It will be reported on the double impact using the laser radar technique: the range resolved measurement of black smoke as well as using the transmission path of the laser light as a control device.