B. Bourliaguet, N. Hô, F. Généreux, F. Émond, F. Cayer, F. Babin "Hyperspectral fluorescence lifetime lidar for geological exploration" Proc. of SPIE, 7478, art. no. 74780M, 2009
Abstract: We have developed a small, relatively lightweight and efficient lidar instrument for remotely detecting and classifying minerals. The system is based on a pulsed, eye-safe, diode pumped Nd:YAG laser, tripled (355nm) or quadrupled (266nm), for UV excitation of minerals, which then fluoresce with a typical spectrum and lifetime. Fluorescence is detected through a telescope / filter / fiber bundle / spectrograph / multi-channel detector system capable of photon counting. Transmission and detection efficiency have been optimized to reduce the need for high optical excitation energy. Detection electronics are based on gated charge integration using a multi-anode photomultiplier tube. Spectra shown are measured in the 420 to 720 nm visible range with 355 nm laser excitation. Results show that it is relatively easy to distinguish between vegetation and non-vegetation spectra using lifetime data. Lifetime of vegetation is relatively short when compared to the mineral samples investigated. Although results shown are measured in a controlled environment on the ground, the system is being developed for eventual use in a low altitude airborne application. System parameters are presented and upgrade paths are discussed.
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