Lidar/DIAL detection of acetone at 3.3 μm by a tunable OPO laser system

摘要

In this paper we report, for the first time to our knowledge, on lidar/DIAL detection of acetone vapors at 3.3 μm by means of an optical parametric tunable laser system. After a preliminary spectroscopic study in an absorption cell, the feasibility of a differential absorption (DIAL) lidar for the detection of acetone vapors has been investigated in the laboratory, simulating the experimental conditions of a field campaign. Having in mind measurements in a real scenario, a study of possible atmospheric intereferents has been performed, looking for all known compounds that share acetone IR absorption in the spectral band selected for its detection. Possible interfering species from urban and industrial atmospheres were investigated and limits of acetone detection in both environments were identified. This study confirmed that a lidar system can detect a low concentration of acetone at considerable distances.