Lidar backscatter signal recovery from phototransistor systematic effect by deconvolution

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Optical Remote Sensing
• Lidar Technology

Background:

• Backscatter lidar systems are crucial for atmospheric profiling.
• Existing systems face limitations in signal resolution due to detection system characteristics.
• NASA Langley Research Center developed novel detection systems using IR heterojunction phototransistors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and integrate backscatter lidar detection systems maximizing signal-to-noise ratio.
• To characterize and compensate for blurring effects introduced by the new detection system.
• To validate the performance of the new system against established technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized IR heterojunction phototransistors in lidar detection system design.
• Focused on signal-to-noise ratio maximization.
• Characterized the system transfer function via impulse response measurement and single-pole approximation.
• Implemented an iterative deconvolution algorithm for signal recovery.

Main Results:

• The new detection systems introduce blurring effects to backscattered signals.
• Deconvolution successfully recovered the lidar signal resolution.
• Achieved resolution comparable to avalanche photodiodes.
• Restored range resolution up to 60 meters in atmospheric boundary and cloud layer data.

Conclusions:

• The developed backscatter lidar detection system with deconvolution effectively overcomes blurring effects.
• This technique significantly enhances range resolution in lidar data.
• The system shows promise for improved atmospheric boundary and cloud layer characterization.