Predictions of silicon avalanche photodiode detector performance in water vapor differential absorption lidarPerformance analyses are presented which establish that over most of the range of signals expected for a down-looking differential absorption lidar (DIAL) operated at 16 km the silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) is the preferred detector for DIAL measurements of atmospheric water vapor in the 730 nm spectral region. The higher quantum efficiency of the APD's, (0.8-0.9) compared to a photomultiplier's (0.04-0.18) more than offsets the higher noise of an APD receiver. In addition to offering lower noise and hence lower random error the APD's excellent linearity and impulse recovery minimize DIAL systematic errors attributable to the detector. Estimates of the effect of detector system parameters on overall random and systematic DIAL errors are presented, and performance predictions are supported by laboratory characterization data for an APD receiver system.
Document ID
19890028513
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kenimer, R. L. (ST Systems Corp. Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Electronics And Electrical Engineering
Meeting Information
Meeting: Airborne and Spaceborne Lasers for Terrestrial Geophysical Sensing