Airborne laser systems for atmospheric sounding in the near infrared

Roberto Sabatini; Mark A. Richardson; Huamin Jia; David Zammit-Mangion

doi:10.1117/12.915718

11 May 2012 Airborne laser systems for atmospheric sounding in the near infrared

Roberto Sabatini, Mark A. Richardson, Huamin Jia, David Zammit-Mangion

Proceedings Volume 8433, Laser Sources and Applications; 843314 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915718
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

This paper presents new techniques for atmospheric sounding using Near Infrared (NIR) laser sources, direct detection electro-optics and passive infrared imaging systems. These techniques allow a direct determination of atmospheric extinction and, through the adoption of suitable inversion algorithms, the indirect measurement of some important natural and man-made atmospheric constituents, including Carbon Dioxide (CO₂). The proposed techniques are suitable for remote sensing missions performed by using aircraft, satellites, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), parachute/gliding vehicles, Roving Surface Vehicles (RSV), or Permanent Surface Installations (PSI). The various techniques proposed offer relative advantages in different scenarios. All are based on measurements of the laser energy/power incident on target surfaces of known geometric and reflective characteristics, by means of infrared detectors and/or infrared cameras calibrated for radiance. Experimental results are presented relative to ground and flight trials performed with laser systems operating in the near infrared (NIR) at λ = 1064 nm and λ = 1550 nm. This includes ground tests performed with 10 Hz and 20 KHz PRF NIR laser systems in a variety of atmospheric conditions, and flight trials performed with a 10 Hz airborne NIR laser system installed on a TORNADO aircraft, flying up to altitudes of 22,000 ft above ground level. Future activities are planned to validate the atmospheric retrieval algorithms developed for CO₂ column density measurements, with emphasis on aircraft related emissions at airports and other high air-traffic density environments.

Citation Download Citation

Roberto Sabatini, Mark A. Richardson, Huamin Jia, and David Zammit-Mangion "Airborne laser systems for atmospheric sounding in the near infrared", Proc. SPIE 8433, Laser Sources and Applications, 843314 (11 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915718

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