Laser radar signal processing for measurement of chemical and biological agents

Detection and measurement of toxic Chemical and Biological (CB) agents at stand-off distances are very crucial for civilian and military applications. The CB agents are relatively inexpensive to produce and can yield a significant impact on the life and ability of the affected humans. Early warning of biological attacks is essential to establish a timely defence and minimize their effects. In addition, the mapping of the biological agents is needed to obtain the required information about the affected areas. The mapping of biological attack with the requirement of detection and measurement in real time basis is a challenging task. In this paper we present details of design and development of a Multi wavelength, Multi functional and Multi Mode Laser Radar (M
³
lidar) which facilitates the use of a wide range of lidar techniques amenable to stand-off laser remote sensing of many of the CB agents. A modular approach in the design of the M
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Lidar will provide remarkable advantages for the optimization of the remote sensing systems suitable for this purpose. The system can be operated in different modes to make measurements using different Lidar / Laser based techniques needed for measurement various CB agents, which are important in defence and also for characterizing the environment in real time. The system will also be useful as a test bed for the "Proof of the concept" for various lidar techniques and for the optimization system parameters and operating conditions. This will provide the inputs for the design of a compact and man portable / transportable system required for measurements of specific CB agents and other applications.