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China's award-winning laser radar is capable of detecting objects as tiny as a needle at an astonishing depth of 3.280 feet underwater.
A team of researchers from Xiamen University in China has developed a laser radar with impressive sensitivity, capable of identifying objects up to 1.000 meters deep in the ocean. The work, published in 2023, earned the team the “Best Paper Award” from the Applied Optics, beating more than 1.200 competitors.
The Breakthrough of Single Photon Raman Lidar
The system presented by the team is based on single-photon Raman lidar technology. This innovative method allows for the accurate detection of submerged substances, even in conditions adverse. Equipped with a low-noise detector, the device stands out for its compact size and energy efficiency.
The radar measures just 40 cm in length and 20 cm in diameter, making it easy to install on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). This portability does not compromise its performance: it is capable of detecting oil leaks up to 12 meters away with a single laser pulse.
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Precision That Revolutionizes Underwater Research
The device’s accuracy has been compared to “fishing for a needle in the sea.” Its ability to analyze underwater substances and map their distribution at different depths is a major advance for environmental monitoring and scientific exploration. According to Mingjia Shangguan, the research leader, the system could be especially useful in monitoring leaks from underwater pipelines and in exploring ocean resources.
The technology works by emitting a green laser pulse into water. This interacts with substances such as oil, generating Raman signals. The intensity of these signals at specific wavelengths provides information about the composition and distribution of the detected substances.
A Different Look at Coping
Traditional lidar systems, used on ships, aircraft and satellites, perform large-scale ocean profiling. However, their detection depth is limited, especially in rough waters. Submerged Raman lidar overcomes these limitations, operating effectively at different depths and sea conditions.
In addition, the system developed by the Chinese incorporates single-photon detection, significantly increasing its sensitivity. This allows for high-resolution underwater imaging, essential for scientific and industrial applications.
Applications that Transform Various Sectors
The technology has enormous potential in many areas. In ocean research, it can help detect sediments, coral reefs and other features on the seabed. In underwater archaeology, it can help locate historical objects with greater precision.
In the industrial sector, the system facilitates the inspection of submerged structures, such as oil platforms and pipelines. In military contexts, it can be used for the recognition and identification of submarines. The flexibility of the device allows it to be adapted to different scenarios, from scientific studies to security missions.
The Future of Underwater Lidar
The Xiamen University team is already planning to improve the system. The next step is to develop a lidar that uses a blue laser, reducing the influence of chlorophyll fluorescence present in marine plants. This innovation promises to further improve accuracy in environments with high density of aquatic vegetation.
Another goal is to integrate the system into AUVs, expanding their autonomous operation capabilities in large underwater areas. This paves the way for large-scale applications such as mapping marine ecosystems and exploring deep-sea mineral resources.
A Revolution in Underwater Detection
China’s achievement represents a milestone for underwater lidar technology. The breakthrough not only expands the possibilities for scientific exploration, but also contributes to environmental protection and the development of sustainable technologies. With the laser radar developed by the Shangguan team, the depths of the ocean are more accessible than ever, bringing to light a world of discovery and opportunity.
HOW MUCH ARE THESE D3 **** CHINESE PAYING YOU?????
THEY ONLY PUBLISH THINGS THAT ARE FAVORABLE TO THEM. IT SEEMS LIKE THE COMMUNIST **** IS A SAINT.
The Chinese are not saints, but rather intelligent, patient and long-term planners... The Americans' desperation results in these hysterical comments... The Chinese invest mainly in science and technology, while the US only invests in its gigantic arms industry and spends a lot of money meddling in the affairs of countless countries. After all, they have nearly 0 military bases spread around the world (this is not a guess, but rather true and verifiable information)... They consider themselves the world's police... Oh... and the Chinese only have one military installation outside their country, in Africa...
Where is the Chinese 5G, which is worse than 4G? China left the Neolithic era in 30 years and is already the best in science, pure misleading propaganda.