Experimental validation of the differential image motion lidar concept

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric physics
• Optical remote sensing
• Turbulence measurement

Background:

• Measuring atmospheric turbulence, specifically the refractive-index structure characteristic C(n)(2), is crucial for understanding atmospheric phenomena.
• Conventional methods for C(n)(2) measurement can be complex or limited in scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally validate the concept of a differential image motion (DIM) lidar system.
• To assess the accuracy of DIM lidar for measuring vertical profiles of C(n)(2).

Main Methods:

• A hard-target analog of the DIM lidar was constructed.
• The DIM lidar was tested against a conventional scintillometer.
• Measurements were conducted over a 300-m horizontal path under diverse turbulent conditions.

Main Results:

• Experimental results confirmed the validity of the DIM lidar concept.
• The DIM lidar accurately measured C(n)(2) profiles.
• Performance was consistent across a range of turbulent atmospheric conditions.

Conclusions:

• The differential image motion lidar is a viable and accurate method for measuring atmospheric refractive-index structure characteristic C(n)(2).
• This technique offers a promising approach for profiling atmospheric turbulence.