Lidar Systems for Measuring Visibility. A Technical Assessment.

Abstract

A study has been made of the feasibility of using a laser backscatter system (lidar) to measure slant visibility at airports. This report summarizes the present status of lidar from a technical standpoint. Based largely on the results of experimental lidar field tests reported previously, the report isolates essential factors which bear on decisions regarding further lidar development. The following elements, upon which the success of an operational lidar visibility system will hinge, are discussed in detail: Detector and receiver dynamic range; Minimum and maximum range limits; Signal processing (instant vs time-average); Interpretation of data; Multiple scattering; Eye safety criteria.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA001565

Entities

People

  • J. R. Lifsitz

Organizations

  • John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Backscattering
  • Detectors
  • Dynamic Range
  • Eye Safety
  • Field Tests
  • Safety
  • Scattering
  • Signal Processing
  • Visibility
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy