Range Resolved HCL Detector

The use of solid fuel rockets generates HCL and other pollutants that must be monitored remotely. Differential absorption lidar (DIAL) permits the remote, spatially resolved measurement of many trace atmospheric gases. This proposal describes a novel method for measuring lidar signals that promises tremendous reductions in the size, weight, and complexity of lidar instruments for measuring HCL. The experimental program will test the signal recovery method, identify the factors that influence its range and accuracy, and investigate a promising laser amplifier medium. The concurrent theoretical effort will develop a model that will permit the evaluation of the performance of a fully engineered DIAL system for automated measurement of HCL at rocket test and launch sites. The proposed technique can be applied to the detection of many other species, including a variety of important pollutants.