Remote chemical sensing: a review of techniques and recent developments

Purpose This paper aims to provide technical details of the techniques used for the remote detection of chemical compounds in a number of applications and also to highlight key research themes. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first considers remote gas detection using the DIAL technique. Remote gas cloud imaging is then discussed, and this is followed by a review of chemical warfare agent detection technologies. A selection of research activities and product developments aimed at remotely detecting explosives are considered and, finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Remote gas sensing is now a practical reality, and products are available which can remotely detect, identify, quantify and in some cases visualise a wide range of toxic and environmentally threatening gases. These satisfy numerous industrial, environmental and military applications. Remotely detecting explosives poses a significant technological challenge, and despite some commercialisation, it remains the topic of an extensive research effort, much involving LIBS and Raman techniques. Importantly, much of this work also has potential in non-military applications, with several developments being shown to detect various industrially important compounds. Originality/value This provides a technical insight into the techniques and products used in a range of remote chemical sensing applications.