A novel method for measuring atmospheric transmission using a modulated laser source

David T. Wayne; Colin N. Reinhardt; Kevin McBryde; Galen Cauble

doi:10.1117/12.2024474

25 September 2013 A novel method for measuring atmospheric transmission using a modulated laser source

David T. Wayne, Colin N. Reinhardt, Kevin McBryde, Galen Cauble

Proceedings Volume 8874, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans II; 88740H (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024474
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Current transmissometer designs can be physically bulky, electronically complex, and susceptible to background light; ultimately limiting performance. We describe a novel transmissometer design based upon a modulated LED source and an AC-coupled receiver to improve upon the aforementioned shortcomings. The design aims to reduce both complexity and SWAP through the use of a high frequency modulation technique, while ultimately improving SNR and measurement range over a variety of atmospheric conditions. The instrument is a dynamic atmosphere and range transmissometer (DART). First we discuss the theory associated with our technique; particularly addressing how the effects of atmospheric turbulence are handled. Next, we describe the radiometry and calibration procedures for the transmitter and the receiver. We describe the instrument hardware and how the DART was built and tested in the laboratory. Finally, we discuss the field experiment to test the DART against a commercial unit over a 700m coastal path in San Diego. The processed data are compared with concurrent measurements from the Optec LPV-3 commercial transmissometer. Transmission data from the DART tracks the commercial instrument very well over varying atmospheric conditions.

Citation Download Citation

David T. Wayne, Colin N. Reinhardt, Kevin McBryde, and Galen Cauble "A novel method for measuring atmospheric transmission using a modulated laser source", Proc. SPIE 8874, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans II, 88740H (25 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024474

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