Experimental Cloud Backscatter Measurement at 0.9 Micron.
Abstract
The performance of a short range optical fuzing system depends, in part, on its ability to reject energy backscattered by atmospheric aerosols. Such a system may be designed whereby the energy received from a true target always exceeds the backscattered energy from an atmospheric aerosol. An aircraft-mounted measurement system was developed for the simultaneous data collection of backscatter energy and one-way path attenuation at short ranges from clouds. Both the one-way path attenuation sensor and the backscatter sensor utilized GaAs laser diodes operating at 0.9 micrometers. The backscatter sensor was a crossed beam ranging device with adjustable range capability. Computer software was developed to process the data recorded during flight tests. Several stripchart recordings are presented which illustrate the relationship of one-way path attenuation and backscatter for cumulus clouds. Over 50 individual cumulus clouds were transited during the flight tests which exhibited visibility ranges as low as 50 ft. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0893280
Entities
People
- Charles H. Brenner
- Frank S. Gemmell
Organizations
- Motorola Mobility