Laser-based technology originally developed for optical communications allows the multichannel microsensor fitted with the proper chemical coatings to detect multiple contaminants in soil, groundwater and air. The speed of light increases or decreases when passing through materials of differing optical properties, Hartman explained. Detection of contaminants becomes possible by measuring a contaminant's influence on the optical properties of the sensor. Then researchers observe the effects on these properties through changes in the transmitted laser light.
The sensors are integrated into the E-SMART team's standardized smart sensor networks that collect, manage and analyze the sensor data. The resulting analysis will allow environmental site managers to predict fate and transport of contaminants, perform remedial design, and gain regulatory and public approval of remedial approaches.
"This system will allow real-time assessments of what we're doing to the environment," Hartman said. "We can see if we're doing bad things to it or if we're making improvements through pollution abatement techniques and processes."
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Contact: Jane Sanders
jane.sanders@edi.gatech.edu
404-894-2214
Georgia Institute of Technology Research News
20-Aug-1998