Turning a gas leak detector into a commercial product
The VOGUE project focused on the direct imaging of natural gas leaks by developing a new portable detection system. More specifically, this key innovation displays increased capabilities of locating leak sources in both high- and low-pressure sites of the gas network. With the aid of opto-electronics a commercial realisation of the initial prototype has been achieved. This encompassed the addition of suitable and readily available parts without changing any of the original design features. The package assembly allows the laser to be mounted at the centre of the lens. The assembly includes a cylindrical holder that allows easy handling of the lens with options of a sliding fit. The cylinder/lens set is held through a vacuum jig and a micro-adjustment stage is implemented on an optical breadboard. The newly developed procedure of lens alignment and focusing can be easily realised. Since manufacture of the prototype may cause a slight increase of the inherent noise, redesign also affected the hybrid detector. This involved different soldering and bonding in the assembly of the InGaAs die on to ceramic headers. For the purposes of testing the modules for functionality, a set of test jigs was also produced. All the redesign features enabled the turning of the laser diode module design into a commercial product. This can allow its broader use by the gas industry offering fast, accurate and easy detection of gas leaks. For more information click at the project site: http://www.physics.gla.ac.uk/Optics/projects/VOGUE/(opens in new window)
