Developing a Long-Range Optical Oil Spill Detector Using Fluorescence

The early detection of oil spills is crucial for minimizing their environmental impact. In this project, we have developed an optical-based system designed to detect the presence of oil slicks, with the intention of installing it on the side of an oil rig. This optical system relies on ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence, where UV light is absorbed by the oil, causing it to fluoresce at a different wavelength. The optical design software, Zemax, was used to determine necessary optical components and their positioning to create a practical system. Through a combination of computer modeling and experimental measurements, we have created a system that precisely focuses a UV LED into a one-square-meter spot at a target distance of 60 meters. We have rigorously tested the system with various oil samples in both well-lit and low-light environments, achieving remarkably high signal-to-noise ratios. In this presentation, I will delve into the key features of our prototype's design while also sharing our most recent results.