Single-photon laser methane detection methodology and initial validation

Responding to the urgency of remote sensing for monitoring large concentrations of methane leakage, a high-speed modulation continuous laser methane leakage remote methodology based on a near-infrared single-photon avalanche diode detector (SPAD) and a lower power distributed feedback laser was developed. Based on the proposed laser modulation and time-correlated single-photon counting method, the method could simultaneously detect the methane concentration and background target distance. The effects of SPAD dead time and after-pulse probability on the intensity of methane spectra were investigated. The proposed ranging and methane sensing method was also demonstrated by conducting outfield observation through the verification system. The measured methane absorption spectral intensity was verified and consistent with theoretical value. The initial validation results provide a new scheme for subsequent single-photon gas detection, and reference for subsequent methane monitoring equipment development.