Coaxial multi-detector system and method for measuring the extinction coefficient of an atmospheric scattering medium

摘要

An apparatus and method are provided for determining the extinction coefficient of an atmospheric scattering medium utilizing a single-ended optical system having a predetermined transmitter field of view and two concentrically arranged cooperating optical receivers, wherein backscattered light from near and far receiver fields of view for each of a series of transmitted light pulses is collected by the respective receivers. Optimum reception is achieved for both near and far field scatterers and the received signals are selectively processed by a processor which may include, for example, integration, summation, and differentiation steps that automatically yield extinction coefficient data under a wide range of environmental conditions without requirements of extreme apparatus stability, continuous monitoring, or calibration of the apparatus.