Spatial-Spectral Sensor Techniques for Detection of Atmospheric Turbulence

摘要

This report addresses the problem of utilizing spatial-hyperspectral imaging capabilities of spaceborne sensors to detect and characterize regions of atmospheric turbulence and cirrus cloud clutter which may impact employment and/ or performance of space based laser and airborne high energy laser weapons systems. Our concept for worldwide detection, characterization and mapping of atmospheric turbulence and cirrus clouds involves use of satellite-borne (and possibly airborne) spectral and hyperspectral imagers operated in the UV to MWIR spectral range in virtual triangulation geometry. Spectral and hyperspectral imagery allows altitude sounding of atmospheric clutter from turbulence and cirrus clouds. Triangulation geometry allows precise attitude selection by cross correlation of the backscatter signals. The combination of attitude and Fourier- space background spectral discrimination will provide an attitude resolved measurement of atmospheric clutter from the clear air turbulence and from cirrus clouds, both of which may affect performance of the SBL (Space Based Laser) and the Airborne Laser (ABL) systems.