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Eye-safe diode laser Doppler lidar with a MEMS beam-scanner
Optics Express
|February 25, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a new Doppler lidar system using a diode laser and micro-electro-mechanical-system scanning mirror (MEMS-SM) for precise beam steering and focus dithering. This innovative lidar technology enhances wind speed measurements while ensuring eye safety.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science and remote sensing.
- Optical engineering and instrumentation.
Background:
- Doppler lidar systems are crucial for atmospheric measurements.
- Existing systems face challenges in beam steering and eye safety compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel Doppler lidar system with enhanced beam steering and focus control.
- To demonstrate the system's capability for accurate wind speed measurements and improved eye safety.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a continuous-wave (cw) diode laser at 1.5 μm and a micro-electro-mechanical-system scanning mirror (MEMS-SM).
- Implemented multi-line-of-sight beam steering (four lines at 18° angles).
- Employed spatial beam focus dithering using a spiral scan trajectory.
Main Results:
- Achieved effective beam steering across multiple lines-of-sight.
- Demonstrated a 16 dB reduction in mean irradiance via spatial dithering, enhancing eye safety.
- Successfully performed time-shared radial wind speed measurements at 50 Hz with a 0.25 s dwell time per line-of-sight.
Conclusions:
- The novel Doppler lidar system effectively integrates beam steering and focus dithering functionalities.
- The MEMS-SM enables rapid switching (milliseconds) for dynamic atmospheric measurements.
- This technology offers a promising solution for safe and efficient wind speed profiling.
