Mr. Lawrence A. Corp Profile

Lawrence A. Corp

Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Area of Expertise:

Remote Sensing , Imaging Spectroscopy , LiDAR , Fluorescence Spectroscopy , Sensors , Systems Engineering

Websites:

Company Website

Mr. Corp is a research scientist specializing in the application of advanced remote sensing systems for the characterization of terrestrial ecosystems. His research has focused on high resolution imaging spectroscopy, thermal imagery, LIDAR systems, multi-spectral fluorescence imaging, and spectral algorithms to quantify environmentally induced plant stress responses and their impacts on photosynthesis and carbon/nitrogen dynamics. His accomplishments include: collection and assimilation of data from a multitude of sensor platforms including custom built imaging systems for statistical analysis and modeling of vegetation dynamics; the development of an integrated GIS and remote sensing approach to provide an assessment of ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic environmental factors; aiding in the development of spectral remote sensing approaches to quantify crop residue ground cover for reduced soil erosion; and development of several new and innovative spectral sensing instruments and techniques for the assessment of plant health and growth condition. His active participation in field of remote sensing is documented through 67 scientific publications.

Proceedings Article | 8 September 2015 Paper

Radiometric calibration of G-LiHT's imaging spectrometer using GLAMR for satellite sensor intercalibration

Amit Angal, Joel McCorkel, Bruce Cook, Lawrence Corp, Kurt Thome

Proceedings Volume 9607, 96070C (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188763

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Sensors, Spectroscopy, Radiometry, Landsat, Satellites, Integrating spheres, Tunable lasers, Reflectivity, Earth observing sensors

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Proceedings Article | 3 June 2015 Paper

Data products of NASA Goddard’s LiDAR, hyperspectral, and thermal airborne imager (G-LiHT)

Lawrence Corp, Bruce Cook, Joel McCorkel, Elizabeth Middleton

Proceedings Volume 9482, 94821D (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2177083

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Spectroscopy, Calibration, RGB color model, Sensors, Imaging systems, Thermography, Reflectivity, Data modeling, Vegetation

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Proceedings Article | 16 September 2011 Paper

Spectral bio-indicator simulations for tracking photosynthetic activities in a corn field

Yen-Ben Cheng, Elizabeth Middleton, K. Fred Huemmrich, Qingyuan Zhang, Lawrence Corp, Petya Campbell, William Kustas

Proceedings Volume 8156, 815607 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.892333

KEYWORDS: Reflectivity, Vegetation, Optical properties, Solar radiation models, Ecosystems, Carbon, Biological research, Radiative transfer, Data modeling, Soil contamination

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 November 2010

Spectral indices to monitor nitrogen-driven carbon uptake in field corn

Lawrence Corp, Elizabeth Middleton, Petya Campbell, Karl Huemmrich, Craig Daughtry, Andrew Russ, Yen-Ben Cheng

JARS, Vol. 4, Issue 01, 043555, (November 2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3518455

KEYWORDS: Carbon, Remote sensing, In situ remote sensing, Neodymium, Environmental sensing, Vegetation, Agriculture, Ecosystems, Reflectance spectroscopy, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

Interferometric sensor for plant fluorescence

E. Georgieva, W. Heaps, E. Middleton, P. K. Campbell, L. Corp

Proceedings Volume 7454, 74540X (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825340

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Sensors, Vegetation, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Interferometry, Reflectivity, Signal to noise ratio, Carbon, Absorption, Remote sensing

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We present preliminary design studies and modeling results for a new system for the assessment of vegetation photosynthetic function, especially carbon uptake. Plant health and carbon uptake efficiency are of key consideration in assessing global productivity, biomass, changes in land cover and carbon dioxide flux. Chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) measurements are critical for understanding photosynthetic functioning, plant environmental stress responses and direct assessments of plant health. Plant ChlF occurs predominately in two broad emission bands in the red and infrared regions of the spectrum. Unfortunately, the fluorescence signal from vegetation is much weaker than, and obscured by, the reflected signal. This limitation can be overcome by acquiring ChlF measurements in atmospheric absorption lines. The Interferometric Sensor for Plant Fluorescence (ISPF) will measure plant ChlF using the Fraunhofer Line Discrimination approach. Fabry-Perot (FP) etalons will be used to restrict the measurement to radiation in the Solar Fraunhofer lines (SFL). An advantage of the proposed sensor design is that it will collect measurements using two sets of SFL at the same time. This technique increases the optical throughput producing a larger signal to noise ratio (SNR). The instrument is designed to have two channels for two different spectral regions. Each channel will have two sub-channels, one defined by a prefilter (Reference, Ref) and the other having a tunable FP etalon. The first subchannel (the Ref) will cover a relatively broad spectral range to include at least two Fraunhofer lines but for which the fluorescence signal will represent only a small fraction of total reflected light. The second subchannel will use a FP interferometer to restrict the detected light to include only the selected SFL where the ChlF in-filling is significant. A small change in the fluorescence will then produce an insignificant change in the Ref subchannel but a relatively large change in signal from the FP subchannel. Changes in albedo or clouds will affect both subchannels proportionally so that the ratio of FP/Ref will be sensitive only to ChlF and almost insensitive to other parameters. The ISPF sensor will measure the fluorescence energy emitted by vegetation under natural sunlight. Advantages of the sensor over other designs are that it is passive (i.e., does not require an external illumination source), has simple structure and can be manufactured in a rugged, monolithic form that has no moving parts.

Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

Remote sensing techniques to monitor nitrogen-driven carbon dynamics in field corn

Lawrence Corp, Elizabeth Middleton, Petya K. Campbell, K. Fred Huemmrich, Yen-Ben Cheng, Craig S. Daughtry

Proceedings Volume 7454, 745403 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825508

KEYWORDS: Reflectivity, Vegetation, Remote sensing, Carbon, Luminescence, Ferroelectric LCDs, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Spectral resolution, Ecosystems

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Proceedings Article | 18 August 2009 Paper

Hyperspectral-LIDAR system and data product integration for terrestrial applications

Lawrence Corp, Yen-Ben Cheng, Elizabeth Middleton, Geoffrey Parker, K. Fred Huemmrich, Petya K. Campbell

Proceedings Volume 7457, 745705 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825515

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Reflectivity, Imaging systems, Vegetation, Sensors, Ecosystems, Hyperspectral imaging, Data integration, Spectroscopy, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 8 November 2005 Paper

Deriving chlorophyll fluorescence emissions of vegetation canopies from high resolution field reflectance spectra

Elizabeth Middleton, Lawrence Corp, Craig Daughtry, Petya Entcheva Campbell, L. Maryn Butcher

Proceedings Volume 5996, 599607 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.631159

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Reflectivity, Vegetation, Carbon, Ferroelectric LCDs, Satellites, Ecosystems, Spectral resolution, Absorption, Signal detection

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2003 Paper

Optical and fluorescence properties of corn leaves from different nitrogen regimes

Elizabeth Middleton, James McMurtrey, Petya Entcheva Campbell, Lawrence Corp, L. Butcher, Emmett Chappelle

Proceedings Volume 4879, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463087

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Radium, Reflectivity, Nitrogen, Vegetation, Optical properties, Agriculture, Spectral resolution, Transmittance, Optical filters

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Proceedings Article | 28 March 2001 Paper

Fluorescence techniques in agricultural applications

James McMurtrey, Lawrence Corp, Moon Kim, Emmett Chappelle, Craig Daughtry, J. DiBenedetto

Proceedings Volume 10301, 1030104 (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.420099

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Agriculture, Intellectual property, Licensing

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Proceedings Article | 3 July 1998 Paper

Fluorescence responses and photosynthetic rates of sunlit and shaded leaves of Italian alpine forest species: Summer 1997 ATOM-LIFT campaign

Moon Kim, Giovanna Cecchi, Emmett Chappelle, Marco Bazzani, James McMurtrey, Lawrence Corp, R. Sandu, Daniele Tirelli

Proceedings Volume 3382, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.312617

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Vegetation, Reflectivity, Photosynthesis, Imaging systems, Light harvesting, Remote sensing, Laser induced fluorescence, Ultraviolet radiation, Near infrared

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Proceedings Article | 3 July 1998 Paper

Applications of fluorescence sensing systems to the remote assessment of nitrogen supply in field corn (Zea Mays L.)

Lawrence Corp, James McMurtrey, Emmett Chappelle, Craig Daughtry, Moon Kim, Charles Mulchi

Proceedings Volume 3382, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.312631

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Nitrogen, Ultraviolet radiation, Vegetation, Proteins, Sensing systems, Photosynthesis, In vivo imaging, Nondestructive evaluation, Laser induced fluorescence

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Proceedings Article | 3 July 1998 Paper

Aquatic and terrestrial optical measurements - laser induced fluorescence technique (ATOM-LIFT): Summer 1997 field measurement campaign

James McMurtrey, Giovanna Cecchi, Emmett Chappelle, Moon Kim, Marco Bazzani, Lawrence Corp

Proceedings Volume 3382, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.312616

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Vegetation, Imaging systems, Photosynthesis, Optical testing, Environmental sensing, Optical filters, Metals, CCD cameras, Laser induced fluorescence

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Proceedings Article | 2 July 1997 Paper

Fluorescence of crop residue: postmortem analysis of crop conditions

James McMurtrey, Moon Kim, Craig Daughtry, Lawrence Corp, Emmett Chappelle

Proceedings Volume 3059, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277601

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Nitrogen, Laser induced fluorescence, Ultraviolet radiation, Agriculture, Cerium, Microorganisms, Remote sensing, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Potassium

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Fluorescence of crop residues at the end of the growing season may provide an indicator of the past crop's vegetative condition. Different levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization were applied to field grown corn and wheat at Beltsville, Maryland. The N fertilizer treatments produce a range of physiological conditions, pigment concentrations, biomass levels, and grain yields that resulted in varying growth and stress conditions in the living crops. After normal harvesting procedures the crop residues remained. The fluorescence spectral characteristics of the plant residues from crops grown under different levels of N nutrition were analyzed. The blue-green fluorescence response of in-vitro residue biomass of the N treated field corn had different magnitudes. A blue-green- yellow algorithm, (460/525)*600 nm, gave the best separations between prior corn growth conditions at different N fertilization levels. Relationships between total dry biomass, the grain yield, and fluorescence properties in the 400 - 670 nm region of the spectrum were found in both corn and wheat residues. The wheat residue was analyzed to evaluate the constituents responsible for fluorescence. A ratio of the blue-green, 450/550 nm, images gave the best separation among wheat residues at different N fertilization levels. Fluorescence of extracts from wheat residues showed inverse fluorescence intensities as a function of N treatments compared to that of the intact wheat residue or ground residue samples. The extracts also had an additional fluorescence emission peak in the red, 670 nm. Single band fluorescence intensity in corn and wheat residues is due mostly to the quantity of the material on the soil surface. Ratios of fluorescence bands varied as a result of the growth conditions created by the N treatments and are thought to be indicative of the varying concentrations of the plant residues fluorescing constituents. Estimates of the amount and cost effectiveness of N fertilizers to satisfy optimal plant growth condition for specific areas of the field for the next growing season may be useful indicators for crop management. Analysis of plant constituent qualities and quantities of dead crop materials during the harvesting practice or after harvest could be useful indicators of the previous crop's conditions. These measures could be used as a tool in determining precision farming management practices for site specific areas in a field.

Proceedings Article | 2 July 1997 Paper

Physical properties of leaf level fluorescence

Lawrence Corp, James McMurtrey, Moon Kim, Craig Daughtry, Emmett Chappelle, Charles Mulchi

Proceedings Volume 3059, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277616

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Ultraviolet radiation, Vegetation, Transmittance, In vivo imaging, Absorption, Proteins, Lamps, Agriculture, Optical properties

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Green vegetation when excited by specific wavelengths of light dissipates a portion of the absorbed energy as light emissions in the form of fluorescence. Fluorescence emissions from vegetation occur in five primary regions of the spectrum, namely; ultraviolet (UV), blue, green, red, and far-red (FR). Many investigators have demonstrated relationships between these fluorescence intensities and ratios of these intensities to various forms of plant stress. The observed fluorescence from plant constituents varies with concentration and location within the leaf due to the interactions of diffused fluorescence with the optical properties (i.e. absorption and transmission characteristics) of neighboring compounds. Recently there has been considerable debate as to the extent UV excitation sources penetrate the leaf and to what regions of the leaf can the majority of these in vivo fluorescence emissions be attributed. The deeper a compound is located within the leaf the lower the probability that fluorescence emissions will be received from this compound due to decreases in the quanta of excitation energy and increases in the probability that the fluorescence emission will be reabsorbed. These studies demonstrated that a portion of the fluorescence excitation radiation at 280 nm (4.5 W/m² at the leafs surface) was transmitted through both field grown corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max Merr.). Furthermore, UV transmittance increased toward longer wavelengths leading to an increased quanta UV light exciting a higher percentage of compounds located throughout the mesophyll and bundle sheath layers of the leaf. Significant amounts of fluorescence were observed in the green and far-red bands at the abaxial (bottom) surface of the leaf with adaxial (top) surface excitation, while fluorescence emissions in the UV, blue, and red bands were to a large extend reabsorbed. Leaf transmittance is relatively high in the green and far-red regions of the spectrum giving rise to these emissions at the bottom surface. In addition, both UV and blue fluorescence emissions were observed from the leaf epidermis and quantified to 15% of the blue band fluorescence and up to 30% of the UV band fluorescence emanating from the intact leaf.

Proceedings Article | 2 July 1997 Paper

Fluorescence images of soybean leaves grown under increased O3 and CO2

Moon Kim, Charles Mulchi, Craig Daughtry, Emmett Chappelle, James McMurtrey, Lawrence Corp

Proceedings Volume 3059, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277615

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Carbon dioxide, Imaging systems, Optical filters, CCD cameras, Ultraviolet radiation, Carbon monoxide, Cameras, Veins, Linear filtering

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Fluorescence imaging system (FIS) developed in our laboratories was used to study steady state fluorescence characteristics of plants subjected to chronic ozone stress. The imaging system consisted of four ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent lamps as an excitation source, an automated filter wheel with band pass filters, and a cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Fluorescence images were captured at blue (F450), green (F550), red (F680), and far-red (F740) region of the spectrum centered at 450 nm, 550 nm, 680 nm, and 740 nm, respectively. Four different concentration schemes of tropospheric O₃ and CO₂ interactive environments were considered for this investigation. Soybean plants were grown full-season in 3 m diameter open-top chambers (OTCs) purged with the following gaseous treatments: charcoal filtered (CF) air; CF plus CO₂; nonfiltered (NF) air plus O₃; and NF plus O₃ plus CO₂. Cultivars 'Forrest' (O₃ sensitive) and 'Essex' (O₃ tolerant) were planted in each chamber treatment. The mean seasonal (7 h/day) CO₂ and O₃ concentrations monitored for these treatments were: 331 (mu) l/l CO₂ and 22 nl/l O₃; 472 (mu) l/l CO₂ and 21 nl/l O₃; 327 (mu) l/l CO₂ and 63 nl/l O₃; and 479 (mu) l/l CO₂ and 64 nl/l O₃, respectively. The most pronounced differences among the treatments were noted in the F450 and F550 images of leaves in both cultivars exposed to elevated O₃ with more pronounced irregular appearances (white spots) in the O₃ sensitive cultivar. Changes in cellular membrane integrity caused by chronic exposure to elevated O₃ may have attributed to the increase in F450 and F550 intensities observed on the leaves grown in the elevated O₃ environment. Significantly higher F680 and F740 fluorescence image intensities were observed in the elevated O₃ exposed leaves in the presence and in the absence of elevated CO₂ in both soybean cultivars. These observations suggested that elevated O₃ affected the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants even in the environment with elevated CO₂. The O₃ sensitive 'Forrest' was found to have higher fluorescence intensities in all four bands compared to those of the more O₃ tolerant 'Essex.' Although visible stress symptoms such as chlorosis, discoloration, or necrosis were not evident in the leaves used in this study, FIS demonstrated the capability of detecting the effects of chronic exposures to different air quality treatments. The OTC system air treatment environments in conjunction with FIS enhanced our understanding of the interactions between plant stresses and fluorescence responses. These findings with FIS represent a new approach in the studies of plant-pollutant interactions by providing a rapid nondestructive assessment.

Proceedings Article | 17 January 1997 Paper

Fluorescence imaging system: application for the assessment of vegetation stresses

Moon Kim, Donald Krizek, Craig Daughtry, James McMurtrey, Ravinder Sandhu, Emmett Chappelle, Lawrence Corp, Elizabeth Middleton

Proceedings Volume 2959, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.264255

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Imaging systems, Laser induced fluorescence, Optical filters, CCD cameras, Vegetation, Ultraviolet radiation, Cameras, Lamps, Image filtering

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As a part of an ongoing laser induced fluorescence (LIF) project, out laboratories have developed a fluorescence imaging system (FIS) to acquire fluorescence images at wavelengths centered at 450 nm, 550 nm, 680 nm, and 740 nm. The system consists of ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent lamps as an exciting source, automated filter wheel, and charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The automated filter wheel and CD camera are controlled by a microcomputer via a computer interface,a nd digital images are captured. The FIS is capable of capturing steady state fluorescence and chlorophyll fluorescence induction images. Experimental studies were conducted to demonstrate the utility of the FIS. One such study included experiments to observe the effects of ethylenediurea (EDU) in soybean leaves with FIS. Five different concentrations of EDU were sued to establish a doe-response relationship. Although visual effects of EDU treatment were not apparent, the intensities of the fluorescence images of the plant leaves varied depending on the EDU concentration, the location on the leaf surface and the emission wavelength. EDU appeared mainly to affect the photosynthetic apparatus causing non-uniform increases in red and far-red fluorescence. Ratio images of red-green and blue/far-red were found to be sensitive indicators in detecting EDU effects. A ratio of fluorescence induction to steady state fluorescence had a curvilinear relationship with EDU-dosage. Such kinetic measurements can be used to assess photosynthetic activity in response to a range of chemical and environmental stresses. This study demonstrates that FIS is an excellent tool to detect stress symptoms before the onset of visible injury. It will enhance our understanding of the interactions among photosynthetic activity, vegetative stresses and fluorescence responses. Characterization of steady state fluorescence patterns in leaves is of significant value in our LIF research studies, and images taken with FIS greatly complement non-imaging fluorescence measurements by finding the spatial distribution of fluorescence in leaves.

Proceedings Article | 17 January 1997 Paper

Fluorescence: a diagnostic tool for the detection of stress in plants

Emmett Chappelle, Lawrence Corp, James McMurtrey, Moon Kim, Craig Daughtry

Proceedings Volume 2959, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.264261

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Ultraviolet radiation, Nitrogen, Proteins, Vegetation, Near infrared, Photosynthesis, In vivo imaging, Lamps, Diagnostics

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Green vegetation when excited by specific wavelengths of light dissipates a portion of the absorbed energy as light emissions in the form of fluorescence in several broad areas of the spectrum. Currently, leaf level fluoresence emissions have been broken down into five primary regions, namely; ultraviolet (UV), blue, green, red, and near-infrared (NIR). The optimal excitation wavelengths for each of these bands was verified for healthy soybean leaves through the use of the EEM. Intact vegetation when excited at 280 nm emits substantial fluorescence in two bands; the first centered near 335 nm, and the second centered near 440 nm. UV band fluorescence from vegetation treated with varying levels of nitrogen decreases relative to the blur fluorescence as a function of total protein concentration. These studies indicate that in vivo UV band fluorescence can be utilized as a non-destructive tool to remotely sense variations in protein concentration due to nitrogen fertilization level. It has been well established that this fluorescence emission originates from proteins contain aromatic amino acids. The majority of plant proteins contain these amino acids and as a result have the potential to fluorescence in the region of the spectrum discussed here. Pure ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase in aqueous solution exhibited intense UV fluorescence characteristics with excitation and emission distributions similar to those of intact vegetation. Due to its high concentration we believe this protein contributes to the UV band fluorescence emanating from the intact leaf. The red and NIR fluorescence emissions can be excited within the broad wavelength region from 250 to 675 nm with excitation maxima at 430 nm, 470 nm, 600 nm, and 660 nm. The ratio of red to NIR fluorescence excitation spectra produces a ratio spectrum which exhibits striking similarities to the action spectrum of photosynthesis. The relative differences between these two emission bands depend on the wavelength of excitation. Moreover, by comparing the ratio spectrum of a healthy versus nitrogen deficient leaf, one finds areas of crossover where trends can be completely reversed by changing excitation wavelength. As a result, the success of studies involving the measurement of chlorophyll a fluorescence depend greatly on the appropriate selection of excitation wavelength. Fluorescence sensing systems based on the above emission bands are being proposed or developed for ground based mobile vans, helicopters, and small aircraft. The goals of these efforts were to better define the origins of fluorescence and to improve our understanding of these light emissions in relationship to the physiological status of the plant.

Showing 5 of 18 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (2)

Hyperspectral Imaging Sensors: Innovative Applications and Sensor Standards 2017

12 April 2017 | Anaheim, CA, United States

Hyperspectral Imaging Sensors: Innovative Applications and Sensor Standards 2016

20 April 2016 | Baltimore, MD, United States

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