Finding model parameters for the system waveform of a full-wave lidar: a pragmatic solution

Roland Schwarz; Martin Pfennigbauer

doi:10.1117/12.2323965

10 October 2018 Finding model parameters for the system waveform of a full-wave lidar: a pragmatic solution

Roland Schwarz, Martin Pfennigbauer

Proceedings Volume 10784, Remote Sensing of the Ocean, Sea Ice, Coastal Waters, and Large Water Regions 2018; 107840A (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323965
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2018, Berlin, Germany

Abstract

The system waveform (SWFM) of a pulsed LiDAR is obtained from the pulse shape received when pointing the sensor towards a flat, extended target with the surface normal equal to the laser beam direction. The SWFM is determined by the shape of the outgoing laser pulse and the transfer characteristics of the receiver. Knowing the SWFM is essential for performing highly accurate range measurements, for interpreting the LiDAR waveforms correctly, and to derive additional attributes for detected target returns. Often the actual SWFM is not known explicitly, and a Gaussian pulse shape is used in lieu thereof. However, the Gaussian pulse, despite its advantageous properties, does not properly address asymmetries and ringing effects typically present in real-life SWFMs. We present a model of the SWFM composed of harmonic and exponential terms which is able to account for these effects while at the same time being mathematically easy to handle. Unfortunately, the approximation of data by a sum of harmonics and exponentials belongs to the class of ill-posed problems. Nevertheless, we present a pragmatic solution to the problem and demonstrate the versatility of the resulting model.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Roland Schwarz and Martin Pfennigbauer "Finding model parameters for the system waveform of a full-wave lidar: a pragmatic solution", Proc. SPIE 10784, Remote Sensing of the Ocean, Sea Ice, Coastal Waters, and Large Water Regions 2018, 107840A (10 October 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323965

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