High Resolution Remote Doppler Lidar Wind Sensor

The overall objective of the proposed program is to develop an eyesafe high-resolution Doppler lidar edge-technique-based sensor capable of 3 m spatial resolution, 0.2 m/sec velocity precision, and adequate temporal resolution to permit remote measurement of low altitude atmospheric disturbances to range of 1-10 km. The objective is to develop a compact, low-weight, low-power, and low-cost sensor. Several operating wavelengths are to be evaluated in the Phase I. Phase I will be devoted to systems analysis, specification of candidate lidar designs, technology down selection, and development of preliminary sensor design. The Phase II will develop and demonstrate prototype instrument. Federal government applications include wind profiling in support of ballistics trajectory prediction/compensation; general wind profiling near airbases and aboard Naval vessels; space-based wind profiling. Private sector applications include airport terminal area monitoring; general wind profiling for weather forecasting and competitive sailing; clear air turbulence detection ahead of commercial airliners.