Remote methane sensing using single-photon PPLN-waveguide upconversion lidar

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Spectroscopy
• Environmental Sensing
• Gas Detection Technologies

Background:

• Single-photon light detection and ranging (LIDAR) offers high-sensitivity direct detection for environmental monitoring.
• Industrial settings require sensitive and cost-effective solutions for methane gas detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive methane gas detection system utilizing waveguide-based single-photon upconversion.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of this system for outdoor methane sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Waveguide fabrication and testing were performed.
• A fibre-pigtailed waveguide package was developed.
• The system was integrated with an active imaging module for outdoor testing.

Main Results:

• An internal upconversion efficiency of 86% was achieved.
• Successful demonstration of methane gas sensing in an outdoor environment.
• The system enables enhanced sensitivity for environmental monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Waveguide-based single-photon upconversion is a practical approach for sensitive methane detection.
• This technology can improve cost-effective environmental monitoring systems.
• The developed system shows promise for real-world industrial applications.