Blog 3

Welcome to my Week 3 Senior Project Blog!

This week, I first focused on choosing a non-LiDAR PM2.5-detecting sensor. After much analysis, I decided on the Temtop Air Quality Monitor. There are several reasons as to why I chose this sensor. First of all, the integrated laser particle sensor reduces production costs by 38%, which makes it affordable but also high-quality. Additionally, the device also monitors temperature and humidity, which are other factors that must be taken into consideration when detecting the concentration of PM2.5 in the air.

The technology behind the Temtop Air Quality Monitor is a laser particle sensor, which means it utilizes laser scattering. A laser beam is directed into an air chamber, and particles in the air scatter the light based on factors such as size and concentration. Then, a photodetector measures the intensity of scattered light, which is based on particle size and density. Lastly, internal algorithms get the concentration of PM2.5 based on light scattering patterns.

This laser scattering technology has several advantages over LiDAR technology. First, it has high accuracy when detecting fine particles such as PM2.5 because PM2.5 particles are small enough to scatter visible laser light efficiently. Additionally, it does not require line-of-sight. LiDAR sensors work by bouncing laser pulses off objects in an open environment.

Temtop’s enclosed sensor does not need an unobstructed path to detect PM2.5, which makes it good for monitoring air quality in confined spaces.

One disadvantage of laser scattering technology is its ability to only measure air quality at the sampling point, not across a large area. Additionally, it may require airflow for accurate readings because the particles need to pass through the detection chamber.

I just received both sensors from Amazon, so next week, I will take them apart to inspect their inner workings and begin testing them. I will also begin writing the research paper.

Stay tuned for more updates on my work!