Fog Bank Detector Field Tests: A Technical Summary.
Abstract
The report summarizes the results of field experiments performed at Pt. Bonita, California. The system under study, a laser LIDAR and a vertical-scanning infrared radiometer, have been discussed in detail in Report No. DOT-TSC-CG-71-3. Measurements of the peak power and shape of the return LIDAR pulse, and of the background levels, support the assumptions made in that report. The largest value of background spectral radiance measured, when a sunlit cloud fills the LIDAR receiver field-of-view, is 2 micro w/sq cm/A/sr (at 6943A). The infrared radiometer was found to be susceptible to ambiguities serious enough to eliminate this method from use as a reliable fog detector at the present time. Based on the laser backscatter results, a LIDAR fog bank detector, using a GaAlAs laser diode array as the transmitting source, is recommended and conclusions regarding its technical performance are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- ADA012346
Entities
People
- Jack R. Lifsitz
- Melvin Y. Yaffee
Organizations
- John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center