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Bistatic receiver model for airborne lidar returns incident on an imaging array from underwater objects
Nail Cadalli1, David C Munson, Andrew C Singer
1Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, Urbana 61801, USA.
Applied Optics
|June 25, 2002
Summary
We present a generalized bistatic model for airborne lidar, improving upon the monostatic model for underwater object detection. This advanced model accurately simulates lidar returns, accounting for water conditions and various receiver types.
Area of Science:
- Ocean Optics
- Remote Sensing
- Lidar Technology
Background:
- Existing airborne lidar models often assume a monostatic configuration (coaligned transmitter and receiver).
- Underwater environments present unique challenges due to light scattering and absorption by the water column and ocean bottom.
- Imaging arrays, like CCDs, inherently involve spatially separated transmitter-receiver pairs, necessitating a bistatic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a generalized bistatic lidar model for airborne systems targeting underwater objects.
- To extend the capabilities of existing monostatic lidar models to accommodate bistatic configurations and complex oceanic conditions.
- To provide a framework for accurate modeling and simulation of lidar returns from underwater scenes using imaging arrays.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of bistatic lidar equations incorporating multiple scattering and absorption within the water column.
- Development of a generalized model applicable to various optical receivers and airborne lidar system configurations.
- Application of the derived equations to model and simulate lidar returns for imaging arrays.
Main Results:
- The developed bistatic model generalizes the monostatic approach, offering a more precise description for imaging arrays.
- The model effectively accounts for optical properties of the water column, including scattering and absorption.
- Simulations using the bistatic model were compared against real ocean lidar return data collected by a CCD array, showing good agreement.
Conclusions:
- The generalized bistatic lidar model provides a robust framework for analyzing underwater object detection with airborne systems.
- This model is essential for accurate interpretation of lidar data from complex oceanic environments, especially when using imaging arrays.
- The study validates the model's efficacy through comparison with experimental data, paving the way for improved underwater remote sensing applications.