Using Spectral Edge To Measure Doppler Shift

Abstract

New pulsed-laser ranging systems implement spectral-edge technique making high-resolution measurements of Doppler frequency shift in signals backscattered from targets. Pulsed laser emits at ultraviolet, visible, or infrared wavelength suitable for generation of desired target. Optical filter ("edge" filter) has sharp spectral transmission function such that middle frequency of laser emission lies on steep portion of slope ("edge") on one side of peak. Frequency inferred from relative amplitudes of signal with and without filtering. Intended for use in measuring velocities of solid and diffuse moving targets like wind, clouds, aerosols, or rain. Applications include measurements of wind shear from airports and aircraft.