Wavelength selection approach for an incoherent optical detection sensor (LiDAR).

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Remote Sensing Technology
• Sensor Design

Background:

• Direct detection sensors offer simplicity and high performance in clear environments.
• Established sensor design approaches enable application-specific optimization.
• Optimal central wavelength selection is critical for active optical sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a metric for determining the optimal central operational wavelength for direct detection sensors.
• To identify the optimal wavelength for direct detection sensors in uncluttered (space-like) environments.
• To identify the optimal wavelength for direct detection sensors considering atmospheric transmission.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel metric for optimal wavelength determination.
• Systematic search for the optimal wavelength using generic component sets.
• Evaluation of wavelength performance under simulated space and atmospheric conditions.

Main Results:

• A quantitative metric for central operational wavelength optimization was established.
• Optimal wavelengths were identified for direct detection sensors in space-like conditions.
• Wavelength optimization was performed considering atmospheric transmission effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed metric effectively guides the selection of optimal central wavelengths for direct detection sensors.
• Sensor performance is significantly influenced by the chosen operational wavelength, especially in varying atmospheric conditions.
• This research provides a framework for optimizing direct detection sensors for diverse remote sensing applications.