DIAL infrared lidar for monitoring of main pipelines and gas industry objects

The development of a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system in the mid-IR region for the detection and monitoring of light hydrocarbons is presented. Two lithium niobate optical parametric oscillators provided the signal and reference wavelengths. With the aid of a topographical target the system detected 0,4 ppm of propane and 0.1 ppm of methane in the atmosphere at a greater than 0,5 km range in the controlled release tests.