Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to assessing characteristics of a target from which a vapor plume is generated. As may be implemented with various embodiments, energy (e.g., laser light, an electron beam) is applied to a target and a vapor plume is created therefrom. An interrogation laser is applied toward the target via the vapor plume, and backscattered light from the interrogation laser is detected. The backscattered light is used to detect absorption characteristics of the vapor plume. Energy is further applied to the target, in which the applied energy is adjusted based on the absorption characteristics. Such approaches facilitate the application of energy to a target for a variety of uses.

Abstract: Imaging of hydrogen and other dry gases with low light absorption is provided by an inverse backscatter gas absorption technique targeting absorption of surrounding water vapor to delineate a gas plume. Background distance characterization and modeling allow accurate quantification of leakage rate. A drone system provides for broad area leak surveys, leak characterization, and gas confirmation.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to weighing apparatuses, autonomous materials synthesis systems and methods, as well as their implementation. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a galvanic actuator includes a disk disposed between magnetic poles, and a coil coupled to the disk. A weighing arm is coupled to the disk and includes first and second ends respectively extending away from the disk in opposing directions, the first end having a pan to hold material, the second end having a counterweight. A controller circuit applies voltage to the magnetic poles to generate a magnetic field that applies torque to the disk, countering torque applied to the disk via the material in the pan. Processing circuitry generates an output indicative of weight of the material, based on the voltage applied by the controller circuit for countering the torque.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to assessing characteristics of a target from which a vapor plume is generated. As may be implemented with various embodiments, energy (e.g., laser light, an electron beam) is applied to a target and a vapor plume is created therefrom. An interrogation laser is applied toward the target via the vapor plume, and backscattered light from the interrogation laser is detected. The backscattered light is used to detect absorption characteristics of the vapor plume. Energy is further applied to the target, in which the applied energy is adjusted based on the absorption characteristics. Such approaches facilitate the application of energy to a target for a variety of uses.