Advanced optical techniques for measurements of atmospheric constituents
Document ID: 187
Brown, David M.
Willitsford, Adam H.
Shi, Kebin
Liu, Zhiwen Z.
Philbrick, C. Russell
The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Electrical Engineering, University Park, PA, U.S.A.
Abstract
Spectral models available for calculations of optical propagation conditions provide the research and development community valuable tools for design, simulation, and validation of remote sensing techniques. Examples of these techniques applied to lidar developments are described. A white light super continuum laser has been proposed as a new tool for measurements of minor species concentrations on long paths in the atmosphere. The result from a recent experiment demonstrates the potential for Differential Absorption Spectroscopy (DAS) measurements. A controlled water vapor absorption path has been measured in the laboratory using a white light laser. Absorption measurements are compared with simulations from MODTRAN™ 4 and 5 to examine the water vapor band between 1300 and 1500 nm. Measurements of various atmospheric constituents can be accomplished by utilizing spectral features in the MWIR and LWIR fingerprint regions. Examination of the PNNL infrared spectral database in conjunction with MODTRAN™ 5 model calculations are used to show the feasibility of this technique. The study includes simulation of the broadband infrared detection techniques for mid-wave and long-wave IR regions with varied atmospheric conditions.