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A Wavelength Optimization Study on Visible and Infrared Propagation Systems in Coastal EnvironmentsElectro-optical (EO) systems employed for communications, surveillance and weapons systems are commonly assessed in the North American and European continents. However, the atmospheric propagation environment in these regions is often dissimilar to most other parts of the world. In particular, atmospheric dust, industrial pollution, and smoke frequently reduce visibility to less than 5 km in Asia and South America significantly hampering EO system performance. Because atmospheric aerosol species vary considerably in size and chemistry, optimal wavelengths for EO systems vary from region to region. In this paper we examine the extinction effects from aerosol particles and water vapor on a regional basis. Theoretical studies are coupled with visibility and satellite climatologies to make an assessment for the coastal regions of the world. While longer wavelengths permit higher transmission by particles in regions significantly hampered by fine mode particles (such as industrial pollution and smoke), this advantage is commonly offset by high extinction values from water vapor. This offsetting effect is particularly strong in industrial and developing countries in the tropics and sub-tropics such as Southeast Asia and South America. Conversely, the advantage of low water vapor concentrations in longer wavelengths is offset by high mass-extinction efficiencies of atmospheric dust in this portion of the spectrum.
Document ID
20020081347
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Reid, J. S.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Tsay, Si-Chee
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Moision, W. K.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Gasso, S.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Cook, J. R.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Westphal, D. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Paulus, R. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Bucholtz, A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Lau, William K. M.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Meeting Information
Meeting: SPIE Conference on Optics in Atmospheric Propagation and Adaptive Systems V
Location: Crete
Country: Greece
Start Date: September 23, 2002
End Date: September 27, 2002
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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