Mobile remote detection device and remote detection method for methane gas accumulations

A mobile remote detection device for methane gas accumulations, comprising:

• an emitter device with a light source to generate light, the wavelength of which is tuned with the spectral signature of methane, wherein the light is directable onto a measuring field;
• wherein the light source provides a light pulse of a first wavelength corresponding to a methane absorption line and a reference light pulse of a second wavelength outside an absorption line;
• wherein the interval between the absorption light pulse and the reference light pulse is less than 300 μs;
• a detection device comprising a detector adapted for detecting backscattered light;
• and
• an evaluation device;
• wherein the light source generates light with a wavelength at which methane absorbs, wherein the wavelength lies between 3200 nm and 3300 nm;
• wherein the light source comprises an optical parametric oscillator with injection seeding, which is associated with a single pump laser;
• wherein the pump laser is operable in a double-pulse mode;
• wherein the device is adapted for assembly on an aircraft;
• and
• wherein the optical parametric oscillator is coupled to an optical emitter system by means of a fiber optic light guide.