Multifunction aircraft LIDAR
US8508721B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A90/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multifunction light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system for aircraft or other applications may use autodyne techniques. An autodyne system can use a single laser source and a single detector. The autodyne technique can mix two signal beams to produce a “beat note” at the frequency difference between the beams. Autodyne detection can leverage photon counting to support significantly reduced system complexity. Reduced complexity may provide solutions with significantly reduced power consumption, lighter weight, smaller volume, and lower cost. The multifunction LIDAR system can detect and identify regions of weather hazards such as lightning storms, aircraft wake vortex, clear air turbulence, and wind shear. The multifunction LIDAR system may also be configured to measure aircraft air and ground speed in multiple dimensions as well as aircraft altitude.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.