The Standoff Aerosol Active Signature Testbed (SAAST) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Jonathan M. Richardson; John C. Aldridge; David C. Harrison; Alexander G. Hayes; Eric L. Hines; Leaf A. Jiang; Kenneth I. Schultz

doi:10.1117/12.664071

4 May 2006 The Standoff Aerosol Active Signature Testbed (SAAST) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Jonathan M. Richardson, John C. Aldridge, David C. Harrison, Alexander G. Hayes, Eric L. Hines, Leaf A. Jiang, Kenneth I. Schultz

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6239, Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation; 62390W (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.664071
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

The Standoff Aerosol Active Signature Testbed (SAAST) is the aerosol range within the MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Optical System Test Facility (OSTF). Ladar and Lidar are promising tools for precise target acquisition, identification, and ranging. Solid rocket effluent has a strong Lidar signature. Currently, calculations of the Lidar signature from effluent are in disagreement from measurements. This discrepancy can be addressed through relatively inexpensive laboratory measurements. The SAAST is specifically designed for measuring the polarization-dependent optical scattering cross sections of laboratory-generated particulate samples at multiple wavelengths and angles. Measurements made at oblique angles are highly sensitive to particle morphology, including complex index of refraction and sample shape distribution. With existing hardware it is possible to re-aerosolize previously collected effluent samples and, with online and offline diagnostics, ensure that these samples closely represent those found in situ. Through comparison of calculations and measurements at multiple angles it is possible to create a realistic model of solid rocket effluent that can be used to extrapolate to a variety of conditions. The SAAST has recently undergone a dramatic upgrade, improving sensitivity, flexibility, sample generation, sample verification, and level of automation. Several measurements have been made of terrestrial dust and other samples.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan M. Richardson, John C. Aldridge, David C. Harrison, Alexander G. Hayes, Eric L. Hines, Leaf A. Jiang, and Kenneth I. Schultz "The Standoff Aerosol Active Signature Testbed (SAAST) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory", Proc. SPIE 6239, Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation, 62390W (4 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.664071

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