Laser Diagnostic Instruments

Laser Diagnostics Instruments (LDI) is a privately owned Estonian SME which was established in 1991. It is a research and development organization that combines photonics with software analysis to detect specific molecules in complex solutions and its services are based on novel laser, electro-optical and photonics technologies for oil-spill detection. It holds nine core technology patents. LDI's products are aircraft and ship-mounted laser based (LiDAR) systems that can detect spills once oil has sunk beneath the surface.
International Collaboration
Besides individual research and development activities, LDI has been in the consortium of many different European projects including: BONAS (BOmb factory detection by Networks of Advanced Sensors), DELICAT (Demonstration of LIDAR based Clear Air Turbulence detection) which is supported by European Commission with 7th Framework Programme, DEOSOM (Detection and Evaluation of Oil Spills by Optical Methods), CASAM (Civil Aircraft Security Against MANPADS), BONUS+ Project Baltic Way and BODE (Biological Optical Detection Experiment).
Early Oil Spill detection
ROW (Remote Oil Watcher) is an autonomous remote non-contact sensor that detects oil on water in real time. Developed and manufactured by Laser Diagnostic Instruments in Estonia, ROW uses oil’s natural fluorescence to detect hydrocarbon from crude oil or jet fuel.

Technology
The underlying technology is based on Light induced fluorescence method which excites target molecules in its field of view and detects their presence allowing for remote monitoring of surfaces. The principal merits of the fluorescence technique include high sensitivity and selectivity through spectral distinction of single components within a potentially complicated conglomerate of organic substances. This provides an effective tool for the analysis of organic compounds within a water matrix. The feasibility of oil pollution detection without time-consuming sample pretreatment or direct contact with pollution leading to contamination of the monitoring device allows for the construction of an alarm system for the remote and rapid detection of oil pollution.

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