Laser remote sensing in highly turbid waters: validity of the lidar equation

Stefan Harsdorf; Rainer Reuter

doi:10.1117/12.364200

16 September 1999 Laser remote sensing in highly turbid waters: validity of the lidar equation

Stefan Harsdorf, Rainer Reuter

Proceedings Volume 3821, Environmental Sensing and Applications; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.364200
Event: Industrial Lasers and Inspection (EUROPTO Series), 1999, Munich, Germany

Abstract

A submarine fluorescence lidar has been developed for the detection of hazardous chemicals on the seafloor of the German Bight. Signals are dependent on the inherent optical properties of the seawater column, the seabed and the substance properties, mainly their absorption coefficient, volume scattering function, fluorescence quantum yield and reflectance. Although the instrument is designed to inspect the seafloor it allows to record time-resolved spectra in order to derive information about the water column. Interpretation of these data is normally done with the classical lidar equation which is based on several simplifying assumptions. In its conventional analytical form multiple scattering is not considered. This leads to an increase in signal intensity and to optical ringing. Additionally, fluorescence lifetimes and detector response function may result in an uncertainty of distance determination. Monte Carlo simulations were done to analyze the performance of the submarine fluorescence lidar for realistic scenarios. Results are compared with theoretical predictions of the lidar equation. It is shown that the error in signal intensity increases with the turbidity whereas the slope of the lidar curve appears to be independent of it. Depth-resolved measurements are not limited by the penetration depth of the light but by multiple scattering effects.

Citation Download Citation

Stefan Harsdorf and Rainer Reuter "Laser remote sensing in highly turbid waters: validity of the lidar equation", Proc. SPIE 3821, Environmental Sensing and Applications, (16 September 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.364200

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