LIDAR SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING VISIBILITY A TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

摘要

A study has been made of the feasibility of using a laser backscatter system (lidar) to measure slant visibility at airports. This report summarizes the present status of lidar from a technical standpoint. Based largely on the results of experimental lidar field tests reported previously, the report isolates essential factors which bear on decisions regarding further lidar development. The following elements, upon which the success of an operational lidar visibility system will hinge, are discussed in detail: Detector and receiver dynamic range; Minimum and maximum range limits; Signal processing (instant vs time-average); Interpretation of data; Multiple scattering; Eye safety criteria.