Abstract: Air property measurement (e.g., air temperature, air density, etc.) sensors may take the form of an all-fiber-optic device employing Rotational Raman light detection and ranging technology. Not only do the fiber optic devices described herein require no moving parts, but also these devices may be compact in design and require less power to operate as compared to conventional apparatus. As a result, embodiments may be used in applications in which physical space and power demands may be limited, such as in aircraft.

Abstract: Air property measurement (e.g., air temperature, air density, etc.) sensors may take the form of an all-fiber-optic device employing Rotational Raman light detection and ranging technology. Not only do the fiber optic devices described herein require no moving parts, but also these devices may be compact in design and require less power to operate as compared to conventional apparatus. As a result, embodiments may be used in applications in which physical space and power demands may be limited, such as in aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters are disclosed. An example system includes a coherent source of radiation, a transceiver, an optical mixer, and an intelligent optical device. The coherent source produces a coherent radiation beam that is then transmitted to a target region by the transceiver. The transceiver is further configured to receive a scattered radiation signal from the target region. The optical mixer is configured to receive the scattered radiation signal from the transceiver, receive a reference radiation beam from the coherent source, and to determine a difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam. In certain embodiments, the intelligent optical device is configured to steer, modulate, or condition, at least one of the coherent radiation beam, the scattered radiation signal, and the reference radiation beam.

Abstract: A method of using LIDAR on an airborne vehicle is described. A beam of radiation is transmitted to target areas at least one of above, below, and in front of the airborne vehicle, the target areas including particles or objects. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective characteristics of the scattered radiation are determined. An air turbulence factor or characteristics are determined from the respective characteristics. The airborne vehicle is controlled based on the air turbulence factor, such that turbulence experienced by the airborne vehicle is minimized. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to avoid colliding with the one or more objects. In another example, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to reduce headwind or increase tailwind, and substantially reduce a carbon footprint of the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the accuracy of hitting a target are described. An apparatus includes a LIDAR unit, a storage device, an aim adjustment controller and an adjustment interface. The LIDAR unit is configured to measure at least one of wind profiles along a path between a shooting device and the target, and a range to the target. The storage device is configured to store ballistic information for at least one of ammunition types, shooting devices, and environmental conditions. The aim adjustment controller is configured to analyze at least one of the wind profile, the range to the target, and the ballistic information to determine a set of aiming parameters and the adjustment interface is configured to provide aiming instructions based on the set of aiming parameters, wherein the aiming instructions substantially improve the accuracy.

Abstract: A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters for use, e.g., on aircraft are disclosed. An example system includes a coherent source of radiation, a modulator, a transceiver, an optical mixer, and a measuring system. The coherent source produces a coherent radiation beam, and the modulator is configured to modulate the coherent radiation beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated radiation beam to, and receive a scattered radiation signal from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam. The measuring system is configured to determine at least one of velocity, air density, pressure, temperature, barometric altitude, angle of attack, angle of side slip, icing and turbulence based on the difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters are disclosed. An example system includes a source of radiation, an amplification system with one or more power amplification stages, a transceiver, and an optical mixer. The source produces a plurality of beams, and the amplification system is configured to amplify the beams. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated beam to, and receive a scattered beam from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered beam and a reference beam, which is used to determine a Doppler shift therefrom. In certain embodiments, the amplification system includes a fiber preamplifier and one or more fiber power amplifiers stages.

Abstract: An all fiber optic laser based scanning system for real time terrain mapping under degraded visual conditions is disclosed. A laser output is modulated to achieve a desired pulse width and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and the modulated signal is amplified. The amplified optical signals are split into N channels that correspond to N elements of an optically phased array that steers light by modulating the phase of light entering and exiting the optical system. By applying a linear phase shift across the beam's wave front, the light propagating along the system's optical axis is steered to an off-axis angle. A real time map of an underlying terrain is accomplished by sweeping the N channel array across the terrain while collecting range information from each scan grid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the accuracy of hitting a target are described. An apparatus includes a LIDAR unit, a storage device, an aim adjustment controller and an adjustment interface. The LIDAR unit is configured to measure at least one of wind profiles along a path between a shooting device and the target, and a range to the target. The storage device is configured to store ballistic information for at least one of ammunition types, shooting devices, and environmental conditions. The aim adjustment controller is configured to analyze at least one of the wind profile, the range to the target, and the ballistic information to determine a set of aiming parameters and the adjustment interface is configured to provide aiming instructions based on the set of aiming parameters, wherein the aiming instructions substantially improve the accuracy.

Abstract: A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.

Abstract: An aerodynamic state estimation system includes a real-time actual measurement device, an air data computer, and a plurality of sensors. The measurement device receives laser scatter energy indicative of one or more atmospheric data parameters and outputs one or more truth measurements. The air data computer module receives the one or more truth measurements, calculates one or more state parameter estimations based on a plurality of functional parameters, and outputs at least one of the one or more truth measurements and the one or more state parameter estimations as one or more high accuracy state parameters, The plurality of sensors, located at the air data computer module, measure the plurality of functional parameters.

Abstract: A transceiver device that includes one or more light sources configured to emit a light beam that includes one or more different wavelengths, and includes a diffractive optical element configured to initiate one or more wavelength specific responses from the light beam to form one or more transmission light beams and to direct the one or more transmission light beams substantially towards a target; and further includes one or more sensor devices configured to receive the one or more transmission light beams and one or more reception light beams that are reflected back from the target. The diffractive optical element (e.g., a holographic element) is used in either a monostatic, bistatic or multistatic design to reduce the required size and/or number of optical elements, lasers and receivers. The transceiver device may be used in a LIDAR system in order to measure air and wind parameters at multiple altitudes.

Abstract: A method of using LIDAR on an airborne vehicle is described. A beam of radiation is transmitted to target areas at least one of above, below, and in front of the airborne vehicle, the target areas including particles or objects. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective characteristics of the scattered radiation are determined. Air turbulence factor or characteristics are determined from the respective characteristics. The airborne vehicle is controlled based on the air turbulence factor, such that turbulence experienced by the airborne vehicle is minimized. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to avoid colliding with the one or more objects. In another example, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to reduce headwind or increase tailwind, and substantially reduce a carbon footprint of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters for use, e.g., on aircraft are disclosed. An example system includes a coherent source of radiation, a modulator, a transceiver, an optical mixer, and a measuring system. The coherent source produces a coherent radiation beam, and the modulator is configured to modulate the coherent radiation beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated radiation beam to, and receive a scattered radiation signal from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam. The measuring system is configured to determine at least one of velocity, air density, pressure, temperature, barometric altitude, angle of attack, angle of side slip, icing and turbulence based on the difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters are disclosed. An example system includes a source of radiation, an amplification system with one or more power amplification stages, a transceiver, and an optical mixer. The source produces a plurality of beams, and the amplification system is configured to amplify the beams. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated beam to, and receive a scattered beam from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered beam and a reference beam, which is used to determine a Doppler shift therefrom. In certain embodiments, the amplification system includes a fiber preamplifier and one or more fiber power amplifiers stages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting high-density wind velocity data for the inflow area of a wind turbine are presented. Wind turbines are provided with one or more wind velocity sensors that provide a plurality of wind velocity measurements to the turbine from various ranges and locations across the inflow. Sensors are proximate to the wind turbine. Sensors mounted on the turbine's nacelle work collaboratively to provide the wind velocity measurements. Sensors mounted on the turbine's hub spin with the turbine blades. Spatial and temporal wind mapping provides improved fidelity of data to the wind turbine control system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring parameters such as the material properties or structural integrity of a wind turbine blade on a wind turbine. An example method comprises detecting light reflected from a wind turbine blade, generating a value based on the detecting, comparing the value to a threshold value and determining a parameter of the wind turbine blade based on the comparing. A further embodiment comprises determining a wind velocity by detecting reflected light from a target area in front of the wind turbine blade. An example system comprises a detector configured to detect light reflecting from a turbine blade and to produce a value representative of the detected light. The system also comprises a comparator configured to compare the value to a threshold value and to determine a parameter of the turbine blade.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to detect direction and speed of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the detected direction and speed of the inflow of wind. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal.

Abstract: A wind turbine power management system and method includes one or more wind turbines at a wind farm and one or more laser sources used to measure wind conditions remote from the wind farm. The laser sources may be collocated with the wind turbines, and are able to measure wind conditions at various predetermined ranges from the wind turbines. The laser sources measure wind conditions at locations that provide 10 to 20 seconds of advance notice, and also at locations that provide 50 to 100 seconds of advance notice. Wind condition at locations that provide 500 or more seconds of advance notice are also measured using remote laser sources.