Mid-infrared light hydrocarbon DIAL LIDAR
First Claim
1. DIAL LIDAR system, comprising:
- a plurality of coherent light sources, each emitting an output beam at a different wavelength;
means for directing a portion of the output beams to a receiver portion;
means for frequency-shifting each of the output beams at a different modulation frequency;
means for combining the plurality of frequency-shifted output beams into a single transmitted beam directed at a target;
means for receiving a portion of the transmitted beam which is reflected from the target;
means for combining the portion of the output beams directed to the receiver portion and the portion of the transmitted beam reflected from the target to produce beat frequencies;
means for detecting the beat frequencies; and
means for providing a plurality of signals, each corresponding to the amplitude of a distinct wavelength output beam component of the received portion of the transmitted beam.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A DIAL LIDAR system, and methods of operating same are disclosed. A plurality, such as six, distinct coherent beams are combined into a single transmitted beam. Atmospheric targets such as light hydrocarbons cause a portion of the transmitted beam to be reflected as a return. In one transmitting configuration, six pulsed beams are fully time-multiplexed, and are combined through selective polarization. In another transmitting configuration, six pulsed beams are fully time-multiplexed, and are combined through selective orientation of beam paths, in connection with a rotating beam displacer. In yet another transmitting configuration, six beams are wavelength-multiplexed, and are combined through differential refraction. In one receiving configuration, time-multiplexed beams are received using a single detector. In another receiving configuration, wavelength-multiplexed beams are received using multiple detectors. In a coherent LIDAR configuration, the outputs of a plurality of coherent sources are modulated, and combined according to any of the aforementioned transmitting configurations. A portion of the source outputs is directed to a receiver section of the system, where it is used to demodulate the LIDAR return.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. DIAL LIDAR system, comprising:
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a plurality of coherent light sources, each emitting an output beam at a different wavelength; means for directing a portion of the output beams to a receiver portion; means for frequency-shifting each of the output beams at a different modulation frequency; means for combining the plurality of frequency-shifted output beams into a single transmitted beam directed at a target; means for receiving a portion of the transmitted beam which is reflected from the target; means for combining the portion of the output beams directed to the receiver portion and the portion of the transmitted beam reflected from the target to produce beat frequencies; means for detecting the beat frequencies; and means for providing a plurality of signals, each corresponding to the amplitude of a distinct wavelength output beam component of the received portion of the transmitted beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification