Code 912, Principle Investigator: Mr. Bruce Gentry NASA Academy Research Associate Jeremy Dobler

Why Study Winds? n Winds are the most important variable studying dynamics and transport in the atmosphere. n Wind measurements are critical to improvement of numerical weather prediction models. n Global wind measurements are essential to NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise mission. n They can be used to study planetary atmospheric dynamics. n Commercial and military aircraft would benefit from clear air wind shear detection as well.

Doppler Lidar Wind Measurement Concept Molecular (  ) Aerosol (  ) Backscattered Spectrum Frequency

My Contribution

355 nm Receiver Setup

Moving From Larger to Smaller Systems.

Miniature Dual-Frequency Lidar Components Solid Fabry-Perot etalon 95% 860 nm 15 mm gap Finesse ~ 61 FSR ~ 6.66 GHz Semi-Conducting Diode Laser (AlGaAs) = nm Power ~ 150 mW CW

Mini-Lidar Breadboard Setup

Future Work! n Complete software interface to automate the modulation of the laser and lock the signal on the edge of the Fabry-Perot etalon filter. n Integrate breadboard system into a mobile container. n Verify velocity measurements on a hard target in lab n Take actual atmospheric data in the field demonstrating the mini-lidar system.

Thank You To: n The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium n Goddard Space Flight Center University Programs and the Director’s Discretionary Fund. Also to: n The Academy Staff and all of the participants of this program. n The Staff and Faculty at UW-L