Compact, eye-safe polarization light detection and ranging system at 1550 nm wavelength for aerosol anomaly detection

The study of atmospheric aerosols, which are defined as fine particles suspended in the atmosphere, using light detection and ranging (lidar) techniques is well-established. This work presents the real-time measurement of aerosol anomalies (i.e., concentration hotspots) using an eye-safe, portable polarization lidar system operating at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The system, mainly consisting of commercial off-the-shelf components, has a spatial resolution of about 3 m and a weight of less than 10 kg. As a proof of concept, this paper discusses the classification of aerosols and their physical characteristics, as well as the implications of their presence in the atmosphere. Therefore, the aerosols water mist, sand, and Arizona road dust were measured in a distance of 100 m.