Dual-polarization lidar using a liquid crystal variable retarder

Nathan L. Seldomridge; Joseph A. Shaw; Kevin S. Repasky

doi:10.1117/1.2358636

1 October 2006 Dual-polarization lidar using a liquid crystal variable retarder

Nathan L. Seldomridge, Joseph A. Shaw, Kevin S. Repasky

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 45, Issue 10, 106202 (October 2006). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2358636

Abstract

We describe the design and characterization of a compact dual-polarization lidar that uses a liquid crystal variable retarder (LCVR) to discriminate between backscattered polarization states on alternate laser pulses (at 30 Hz). Measurements of the polarization discrimination of the system, including the liquid crystal and a Schmidt-Cassegrain receiver telescope, show that depolarization ratios can be determined with an additive error of less than 0.4%. The source is a Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm, pulse energy of 118 mJ, and pulse-repetition frequency of 30 Hz. The normal operating range is 15 km, with a 1.5-m range resolution. The full-angle receiver field of view is variable up to 8.8 mrad. Sample data from atmospheric clouds demonstrate the use of lidar depolarization measurements for distinguishing between ice and liquid water in thin clouds with low multiple scattering (with cloud phase verified using radiosonde profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity). Also shown is a lidar observation of a depolarizing layer over Bozeman, Montana, identified as subvisual cirrus, aerosols transported from in or near China, or a combination thereof.

©(2006) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

Nathan L. Seldomridge, Joseph A. Shaw, and Kevin S. Repasky "Dual-polarization lidar using a liquid crystal variable retarder," Optical Engineering 45(10), 106202 (1 October 2006). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2358636

Published: 1 October 2006

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available