Multi-Parameter Aerosol Scattering Sensor
instrumentation
Multi-Parameter Aerosol Scattering Sensor (LEW-TOPS-19)
A highly accurate, lightweight, low-cost miniaturized environmental monitoring sensor system
Overview
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed the Multi-Parameter Aerosol Scattering Sensor (MPASS), an aerosol-detection system that characterizes atmospheric particles, enabling real-time environmental monitoring often critical for public safety. This optical sensor is superior to the present state-of-the-art in its ability to characterize virtually any particle, as small as nanometer-scale, without the need for calibration against a known aerosol. The universal sensor has the unique ability to measure total particle surface area and mass as well as particle count within the same system. Not only can the MPASS function as an independent portable sensor to quantify inaccessible conditions such as volcanic activity and wildfires through remote monitoring, it can also function as part of a sensor network within a factory or other facility for air quality and fire detection. Lightweight and compact, the unit is ideal for surveillance missions when integrated onto a drone or other unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or as a personal health monitoring device for first responders and public safety professionals.
The Technology
Originally developed to demonstrate a highly accurate, low-false-alarm, early fire detection system in space, this advanced technology level system utilizes a durable, low-cost, compact laser source and detector array, similar to CD/DVD player technology, to analyze the interaction of light with particles. The smart system is ideal for detecting a diverse range of particles found in pollution, emissions, fire and other atmospheric toxins while introducing a flexibility that enables its use in multiple environments, especially when coupled with UAVs or other remote platforms.
The MPASS contains a number of features that allow users to make the most of its pioneering capabilities. The self-contained system is lightweight and has been miniaturized and packaged to easily fit into the palm of your hand. A USB port enables the system to be powered, configured, and accessed through its onboard central processing unit. The advanced graphical user interface, custom software, and optimized algorithm allows the user to select known properties when applicable, and to program the system for maximum performance. The dashboard also provides visual feedback through graphical displays, making it easy to analyze the data and make real-time decisions. The system is designed with Bluetooth expansion capability, adding flexibility and communication through potential custom cellular phone applications. Once programmed, the battery-powered wireless sensor system opens the door to monitoring remote areas and extreme environments never thought possible.
Benefits
- Accurate: Customized algorithms optimize performance and maximize measurement accuracy
- Compact: The miniaturized packaged system fits in the palm of your hand
- Low power consumption: Powered through a USB or 4 standard AAA batteries
- Portable: Battery options and Bluetooth expansion capability for remote use
- Rugged: Ideal for harsh, extreme atmospheric conditions and environments
- Sensitive: Achieves a high level of sensitivity and reduces the occurrence of false alarms in fire detection
- Versatile: Measures total surface area, mass and particle count of various aerosols
Applications
- Environmental monitoring
- First responders
- Military
- Health monitoring
- Process control
- Protective gear
- Remote sensing
- Sensors
- Unmanned vehicles
- Security
