Gas imaging system

An infrared (IR) imaging system configured to detect and identify a target species associated with an absorption spectrum, the IR imaging system comprising:

• a single channel optical detection unit comprising an optical detector array configured to detect IR radiation, the optical detection unit characterized by a spectral response curve defining a responsivity of the optical detection unit to IR radiation across a range of wavelengths,
• wherein a convolution of the spectral response curve with the absorption spectrum of the target species defines a first peak at a first wavelength and a second peak at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, said second wavelength being at least 2 microns from said first wavelength, wherein said single channel optical detection unit does not include a cooler configured to cool the optical detector array to a temperature below 200 Kelvin.

A spectral imaging system configured to image a target species, said system comprising:

• an optical detecting unit comprising an optical detector array configured to capture an image of a scene, the optical detecting unit configured to have increased sensitivity to one or more wavelengths less than 8.3 microns,
• wherein the optical detecting unit does not include a cooler configured to cool the optical detector array to a temperature below 200 Kelvin, and
• wherein said spectral imaging system comprises a single channel infrared imaging system, said optical detecting unit providing a single infrared channel, and said target species is methane.