SIGIS 2 scanning imaging remote sensing system

Importance of the Topic

The remote sensing and imaging of gas emissions is essential for industrial safety, environmental monitoring and emergency response. Passive FTIR techniques such as SIGIS 2 enable continuous, long-distance surveillance without external IR sources, offering rapid detection, quantification and visualization of hazardous or regulated compounds.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This paper presents the design, functionality and applications of the Scanning Infrared Gas Imaging System SIGIS 2. Key aims include automatic real-time identification of target gases, high-resolution imaging of gas clouds and integration into 24/7 surveillance workflows for industrial, environmental and security use cases.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Instrumentation Used:

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer with a modified Michelson interferometer (RockSolidTM) and single-element detector
• Azimuth-elevation scanning mirror mounted in a 360° rotating head
• Telescope optics delivering a 10 mrad field of view for long-range detection
• Integrated video and infrared cameras for visible and night-vision imaging
• OPUS RS software for automatic spectral fitting, radiometric calibration, tomographic reconstruction and data management

Main Results and Discussion

SIGIS 2 achieves low detection limits (NEΔT ~20 mK) and spectral resolution up to 0.5 cm⁻¹. Automated fitting against extensive libraries of industrial gases and chemical warfare agents yields column densities in ppm·m. By deploying two systems at different angles, OPUS RS performs tomographic reconstruction to derive three-dimensional concentration distributions. The overlay of false-color spectral identifications on video frames allows intuitive localization of gas clouds such as ammonia plumes from smokestacks or refrigeration leaks.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Industrial plant monitoring: early leak detection and compliance with emissions regulations
• Environmental and atmospheric research: continuous tracking of volcanic or ambient gas emissions
• Emergency response and security: mobile deployment in vehicles or helicopters for hazard mapping and threat surveillance
• Event security: real-time chemical screening at political summits or sports venues

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging developments may include integration of focal-plane array detectors for faster hyperspectral imaging, enhanced spectral libraries with machine-learning algorithms, tighter GIS integration for georeferenced plume mapping and networked multi-sensor arrays to cover large industrial sites or urban areas with automated tomography and alarm management.

Conclusion

SIGIS 2 represents a robust, passive FTIR imaging solution capable of automated detection, quantification and visualization of gas emissions over long distances. Its combination of high sensitivity, real-time analysis and flexible deployment makes it a powerful tool for safety, environmental research and security operations.