LFS-P
Laser fluorosensor payload for oil-on-water
The OPTIMARE LFS-P is a laser fluorosensor payload that detects oil on water surfaces using laser-induced fluorescence. A UV laser pulse excites fluorescence in petroleum products, and the spectral response is analysed to detect and classify oil — even in thin films invisible to radar or optical sensors.
Laser-induced fluorescence for oil detection and classification
The LFS-P fires a pulsed UV laser at the sea surface and analyses the fluorescence spectrum of the return signal. Petroleum products fluoresce distinctively under UV excitation, allowing the sensor to detect oil films that are too thin to be visible to radar or optical sensors. The spectral analysis also enables oil type classification — distinguishing crude oil, refined products, and biogenic films. The LFS-P is typically deployed alongside SLAR and IR/UV sensors to provide a complete spill characterisation capability within the MEDUSA® mission suite.
Download product handoutWhat the LFS-P does
Thin film detection
Detects oil films at sub-micron thickness — far below the detection threshold of radar or optical sensors.
Oil type classification
Fluorescence spectrum analysis distinguishes crude oil, refined products, and biogenic films.
Quantitative measurement
Spectral data supports oil volume estimation and scientific reporting.
Night operation
Active laser illumination enables full night-time operation independent of solar illumination.
Complementary sensing
Adds a definitive detection layer to SLAR and IR/UV data for complete spill characterisation.
MEDUSA® integration
Detection results and spectra are geo-referenced and displayed in the MEDUSA® console.
Key parameters
Mission use cases
Often deployed together
OPTIMARE SLAR
X-band side-looking airborne radar for wide-area maritime surveillance
View sensor →
IR/UV Line Scanner
Dual-channel infrared and ultraviolet line scanner for oil spill and thermal mapping
View sensor →
MWR-P
Microwave radiometer payload for sea surface temperature and oil thickness estimation
View sensor →Interested in the LFS-P?
Contact the India team for a technical briefing, integration discussion, or to request the product handout.