Compact LIDAR for continuous monitoring of atmospheric state variables Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-054 Topic Title: Compact LIDAR for continuous monitoring of atmospheric state variables Proposal No.: N161-054-0095 Firm: Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, Massachusetts 1810 Contact: David Sonnenfroh Phone: (978) 689-0003 Web Site: http://www.psicorp.com Abstract: Atmospheric effects, which may change quickly in littoral regions, can impact the performance of a variety of electro-magnetic and electro-optical based Navy systems. Marine aviation, especially of unmanned platforms, will also benefit from increased observation and improved prediction of the atmosphere. Improving the capability for monitoring the atmosphere will increase the effectiveness of many Navy systems. Automated systems will enable reduction of manpower. Physical Sciences Inc., along with its subsidiary Q-Peak Inc., proposes to develop an advanced, compact Raman Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) capable of continuous, automated profiling of atmospheric state variables, including temperature, relative humidity, and pressure to ranges of 1500 m at a spatial resolution of 1 m and temporal resolution of several minutes. A state-of-the-art miniaturized laser design enables a sensor footprint on the order a few cubic feet. The Phase I program will develop designs for the lidar. The Phase I Option Program will address beam steering optics and accommodation of ship's motion, as well as additional engineering for the electronics for the laser. The Phase II Program will develop and shore test an engineering prototype sensor. The Phase III Program will integrate and test the prototype on a designated Navy platform. Benefits: Successful completion of the Phase I and II programs will result in a new Navy capability to deploy ship-borne remote sensing systems enabling automated vertical soundings of atmospheric relative humidity and temperature to support assessment of environmental impact on radar and other VHF systems operations, as well as marine aviation. By the end of the Phase II program, the sensor design developed in Phase I will have been highly refined, and an engineering prototype tested in a relevant environment. Commercial environmental monitoring applications include ground-based vertical profiling of water vapor for improved weather prediction. Both the National Weather Service and the National Research Council have highlighted the need for improved mesoscale weather monitoring via increased spatial and temporal scale water vapor measurements. Networks of automated lidars for boundary layer meteorology are emerging. Return