Advanced quantum avalanche detectors for aquatic monitoring

Climate change, along with its effects such as rising sea levels, more frequent floods, and the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems, presents serious challenges for managing water resources. Monitoring water quality and environmental conditions is now critical for maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding aquatic habitats. The AQUADETECT project aims to address current challenges in water resource monitoring while minimizing any negative impacts on ecosystems. The project focuses on developing and implementing an advanced optical LIDAR system equipped with nex tgeneration optical sensors that are highly sensitive to single photons. Research by project partners indicates that these sensors are 60% more efficient at detecting photons compared to existing commercial models. The LIDAR system will be used to create three-dimensional maps of aquatic environments, enabling fast, accurate, and real-time data collection. This innovative system is supported by a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers from Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The technology offers significant advantages, including reduced monitoring time, lower costs, and improved measurement resolution. It is designed for diverse applications such as flood risk assessment, mapping seabed topography, analyzing ecosystems, and monitoring underwater habitats. The AQUADETECT project is expected to greatly improve water resource management, support EU water protection initiatives, and encourage the broader adoption of sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies.