Remote sensing of gases by hyperspectral imaging: results of measurements in the Hamburg port area

Remote sensing by infrared spectroscopy allows detection and identification of hazardous clouds in the atmosphere from long distances. Previous work showed how imaging spectroscopy can be used to assess the location, the dimensions, and the dispersion of a potentially hazardous cloud. In this work an infrared hyperspectral imager based on a Michelson interferometer in combination with a focal plane array detector was deployed to measure gas emissions in the Hamburg port area. Emissions from ships, industrial sources as well as gases released intentionally were measured. Using algorithms for remote sensing by infrared spectroscopy it was possible to identify, visualize, and track the gas clouds in real time. The system proved to be robust in the field. It provided excellent spectra with low noise and high spatial resolution.