New Lidar System Targets Plastic Pollution from Above
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Overcoming the Challenges of Remote Detection
Previous attempts to monitor plastic pollution using lidar relied on flash Raman techniques, which required swapping filters for each target. This process hindered real-time 3D ranging and detection, limiting its practicality. While hyperspectral Raman imaging offered a promising alternative by combining raman spectroscopy with imaging to create detailed maps of molecular composition, its range was restricted to nearby targets. To overcome these limitations, the researchers innovatively combined lidar for distance measurement with hyperspectral raman spectroscopy.Their prototype system utilizes a pulsed 532-nm green laser for lidar measurements and a 2D imaging spectrometer equipped with a gated intensified CCD (ICCD). “We designed our system to acquire images and spectroscopic measurements simultaneously,” Somekawa explains.”Since each plastic type has a unique Raman spectrum, we can use imaging facts to understand the spatial distribution and type of plastic debris. The pulsed laser enables range-resolved measurements, allowing us to obtain hyperspectral information from targets at any distance.”Demonstrating the System’s Capabilities
The team tested their prototype system on a sample consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene sheets positioned one above the other. From a distance of six meters, the system successfully captured the characteristic spectra of each plastic and generated images displaying their vertical distribution. The researchers believe the system’s imaging pixel size of 0.29 millimeters at six meters suggests it could analyze even smaller plastic debris. The team’s next step is to adapt the system for monitoring microplastics in water. “Laser light around 532 nm transmits effectively through water,” Somekawa notes, “making detection in aquatic environments feasible.”## Archyde Exclusive: New Lidar Tech takes Aim at Plastic Pollution
**Archyde Staff:** Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Toshihiro Somekawa, the leading researcher behind a groundbreaking new technology that could revolutionize our fight against plastic pollution.
Dr. Somekawa, welcome to Archyde.
**Dr. Somekawa:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde Staff:** Your team at the Institute for Laser Technology has developed a hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system capable of remotely detecting and classifying different types of plastic waste. Can you tell our readers how this technology works?
**Dr. Somekawa:** Certainly. This lidar system uses a laser to send pulses of light toward a target. The light interacts with the plastic, and the scattered light carries unique spectral details about its chemical composition. Our system then analyzes this scattered light to identify and classify the type of plastic present. [[1](https://opg.optica.org/abstract.cfm?URI=ol-50-1-57)]
**Archyde Staff:** This sounds incredibly promising for tackling plastic pollution, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like the ocean. What are some of the potential applications of this technology?
**Dr. Somekawa:** Absolutely.
This technology has a wide range of potential applications.For example,it could be used to:
* **Monitor and map plastic pollution in oceans and waterways:** Our system can detect plastics from a distance of up to six meters,with a relatively wide field of view.This allows us to survey large areas quickly and efficiently, providing valuable data for researchers and policymakers.
* **Improve waste management and recycling efforts:** By identifying the types of plastics present in a particular location,we can better target recycling and waste management strategies.
* **develop more effective cleanup strategies:** This technology can help pinpoint areas with high concentrations of plastic pollution, allowing for more targeted and effective cleanup efforts.
**Archyde Staff:** What are the next steps for your research team?
**Dr. Somekawa:** We are currently working on refining the technology and expanding its capabilities. Our goal is to make this system more portable and adaptable for use in a variety of environments. we are also exploring partnerships with organizations working to address plastic pollution, hoping to translate this research into real-world solutions.
**Archyde Staff:** We wish you the very best in your endeavors.Thank you for sharing your groundbreaking work with us, Dr. Somekawa.
**Dr. Somekawa:** It was a pleasure.
## Archyde: Interview with Dr. Toshihiro Somekawa on the New Lidar System Tackling Plastic Pollution
**Archyde:** Dr. Somekawa, thank you for joining us today. Your team’s recent growth of a new lidar system for identifying and classifying plastic pollution is making waves. Can you tell our readers what motivated this groundbreaking research?
**Dr. Somekawa:** Thank you for having me. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution is a major concern, especially its impact on our oceans and marine ecosystems.
Conventional methods of analyzing plastic debris are time-consuming and expensive. We needed a solution that woudl allow for efficient and detailed monitoring of plastic pollution, ideally from a remote vantage point. This led us to explore the potential of lidar technology combined with hyperspectral Raman imaging.
**Archyde:** How does this new lidar system work, and how does it overcome the limitations of previous technologies?
**Dr. somekawa:** Our system cleverly combines lidar, which is excellent for distance measurement, with hyperspectral Raman spectroscopy, which allows us to identify different types of plastic based on their unique molecular composition. Past attempts using lidar often relied on cumbersome filter-swapping techniques, limiting real-time analysis, while hyperspectral imaging was restricted to shorter ranges. Our innovation lies in simultaneously acquiring images and spectroscopic data, enabling us to pinpoint the type and distribution of plastic debris over longer distances.
**Archyde:** this sounds promising. What are some of the key advantages of using drones to deploy this system?
**Dr. Somekawa:** Drones offer a important advantage in terms of accessibility and efficiency. They can reach remote and arduous-to-access areas, both on land and at sea, allowing for thorough surveys of plastic pollution.
**Archyde:** Your team’s work seems to focus primarily on identifying larger plastic debris.What about microplastics, which are a growing concern?
**Dr. Somekawa:** You’re right, microplastics pose a significant challenge. Our next goal is to adapt the system for detecting them in water.
Thankfully, the laser light we use transmit effectively through water, suggesting that monitoring microplastic pollution in aquatic environments might be possible.
**Archyde:** what are the potential implications of this technology for environmental monitoring and ultimately, for addressing the global plastic pollution crisis?
**Dr. Somekawa:**
We hope this technology can be a game-changer in our fight against plastic pollution. By providing accurate and timely data on the distribution and type of plastic debris, we can inform targeted cleanup efforts, develop more effective waste management strategies, and ultimately, contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Dr. Somekawa. Your work is truly inspiring.
**Dr. somekawa:** My pleasure. I beleive collaborative efforts and technological innovation hold the key to overcoming this global challenge.
