Multiwavelength LIDAR for Aerosol Plume Characterization

An investigation is proposed to collect multiwavelength LIDAR data under well-characterized atmospheric conditions and to demonstrate an approach for estimating aerosol density and size distribution from the measured data.  The experimental work will be carried out primarily within an aerosol chamber into which can be introduced controlled aerosols which can be quantified with an aerosol particle counter.  An additional goal is to carry out outdoor risk-reduction experiments at a 1 km laser range under different visibility conditions and background lighting conditions.  The program will identify what wavelengths should be used in a multiwavelength LIDAR system to achieve the aerosol size distribution inversion goals specified in the solicitation.  A preliminary design for a prototype system will be proposed for a Phase II program.