Lidar in space
Abstract
The lidar (laser radar) technique of remotely observing atmospheric structure and composition is ready for use on a space vehicle. The Spacelab program provides an ideal facility for initiating and exploring this concept, since it makes development possible on a short-trip minimum-investment basis. The goals, philosophy, and rationale of a proposed program to accomplish the first use of lidar in space are described, and details are provided of the specific observations proposed and of the necessary instrumentation. Using a solid-state neodymium laser frequency-doubled to drive a tunable doubled dye laser, energy could be transmitted in a range of wavelengths. With simple wavelength-discriminating photometric detectors the system could be used to detect returns from particles (cloud and dust) or Na atoms or Mg(+) ions.
- Publication:
-
Optical Engineering
- Pub Date:
- February 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978OptEn..17...23C
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Composition;
- Environmental Monitoring;
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Optical Radar;
- Remote Sensors;
- Spacelab;
- Cloud Photography;
- Dye Lasers;
- Laser Applications;
- Magnesium;
- Satellite-Borne Photography;
- Sodium;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation