Performance Efficiency of the WAVE-LARS Scanning Lidar System
Document ID: 102
Master's Thesis
The Pennsylvania State University
The Graduate School
Department of Electrical Engineering
Abstract
The performance efficiency of the WAVE-LARS (Water, Aerosol, Vapor Experiment - Lidar and Radar Sounder) scanning lidar instrument has been characterized and will be presented. WAVE-LARS (LARS) is an integrated remote sensing instrument developed by the Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University for the purpose of atmospheric sounding. LARS consists of a three wavelength polarization Rayliegh/Raman scanning lidar, a millimeter wave scanning radar, and a static Rayliegh/Raman lidar. LARS measures the concentration, size, and shape of aerosols in the lower atmosphere. It is capable of volume scanning, providing 3-dimensional (3D) mapping of clouds and haze. With this instrument, the spatial and temporal dynamics of cloud formation can be measured.
The performance efficiency of each component of the scanning lidar system is evaluated. A total system efficiency is presented from the combination of the individual efficiencies and the coupling efficiencies between components. Sources of errors and deviations from the expected system performance are discussed. Modifications to the system for improved performance are suggested.
| Citation: | B. K. Mathason, "Performance Efficiency of the WAVE-LARS Scanning Lidar System", The Pennsylvania State University, Master's Thesis, August 1994, 74 pages |