Lidar equations for turbid media with pulse stretching

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Atmospheric Science
• Oceanography

Background:

• Traditional Lidar models often neglect pulse stretching and beam spreading effects.
• Accurate modeling of light propagation in turbid media is crucial for remote sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced Lidar equations incorporating multiple-scattering beam spreading and pulse stretching.
• To create simplified engineering models for Lidar system studies.
• To validate the model through applications in ocean and cloud environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of an analytical model for the beam spread function.
• Derivation of Lidar equations from the analytical model.
• Approximation of system transfer functions for mathematical simplicity.
• Application and comparison with Lidar data from ocean and cloud studies.

Main Results:

• New Lidar equations were derived, accounting for pulse stretching and beam spreading.
• The models were validated against real-world Lidar applications in oceanic and atmospheric environments.
• The developed models offer mathematical simplicity for engineering studies.

Conclusions:

• The new Lidar model represents a significant advancement over historical models by including pulse stretching.
• The mathematical simplicity of the models facilitates their application to a wider range of light propagation problems in turbid media.
• This work enhances Lidar capabilities for environmental monitoring and remote sensing.