Remote pollution probing by laser-induced luminescence techniques

The general problem of remote detection for laser stimulated luminescent systems is considered. A simple optical model is employed to calculate the maximum practical range of detection for several such luminescent systems. Some experimental verification of the model is included. Consideration is also given to the practicality of using such a system for the remote detection of casual oil spills. The results of this study indicate that laser-induced fluorescence is a practical technique for the remote detection of pollutants. The ranges calculated from the simplified model are, in general, greater than those reported in the literature, but appear to be realizable.