We present the first results from a Digital Array Gas-correlation Radiometer (DAGR) prototype sensor, and discuss applications in remote sensing of trace gases. The sensor concept is based on traditional and reliable Gas Filter Correlation Radiometry (GFCR), but overcomes the limitations in solar backscatter applications. The DAGR sensor design can be scaled to the size of a digital camera and is ideal for downlooking detection of gases in the boundary layer, where solar backscatter measurements are needed to overcome the lack of thermal contrast in the IR. Ground-based portable DAGR sensors can monitor carbon sequestration sites or industrial facilities. Aircraft or UAV deployment can quickly survey large areas and are particularly well suited for gas leak detection or carbon monitoring. From space-based platforms, Doppler modulation can be exploited to produce an extremely fine spectral resolution with effective resolving power exceeding 100,000. Such space-based DAGR observations could provide near-global sensing of climatically important species such as such as CO₂, CO, CH₄, O₃ and N₂O. Planetary science applications include detection and mapping of biomarkers in the Martian atmosphere.

Date Published: 26 May 2011
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 8024, Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies VIII, 80240U (26 May 2011);

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8024:
Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies VIII
Tuan Vo-Dinh; Robert A. Lieberman; Günter Gauglitz, Editor(s)