A Range Resolved CO2 Backscattering Profile Measurement Technique for Ground Calibration

This project was developed with FY12 Center Innovation Funds (CIF). The team's goal was to develop and demonstrate a technique for using low-peak power, commercial off-the-shelf fiber lasers to gather range-resolved CO2 measurements. Although the team's focus was on validating techniques for the Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission, the team believes the technology applies to a number of disciplines requiring high-power lasers. With its funding, the team installed a laser pulse monitor and a new RZPN code pattern generator. In addition, the team implemented a 1023-bit RZPN code, and through its use, determined the Allan variance. The results of the RZPN code were significant because they showed little background noise. The Allan variance measurement determined that data can be acquired for one to two minutes before systematic errors become significant; it also determined that short spacing between the on-and-offline pulses minimize the impact of atmospheric variability.

The project plans to continuously improve the system and develop an understanding of how aerosol variability impacts measurements

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