Infrared laser-glint sensor for measuring fractal sea-surface roughness

Joseph A. Shaw; James H. Churnside

doi:10.1117/12.312621

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3 July 1998 Infrared laser-glint sensor for measuring fractal sea-surface roughness

Joseph A. Shaw, James H. Churnside

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Proceedings Volume 3382, Advances in Laser Remote Sensing for Terrestrial and Hydrographic Applications; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.312621
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1998, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A new infrared laser-glint sensor is being developed to measure sea-surface roughness statistics, using a CO₂ laser to maintain the laser signal above background light levels. This new system allows daylight data collection, whereas our previous HeNe-laser-based system operated only at night. Additionally, the new system incorporates real-time correction of ship motion to allow operation on a moving ship. This paper provides an overview of the instrument design and the scientific objectives of its future deployment. A specific scientific objective discussed here is determining the connection between the fractal dimension of the laser-glint process and surface roughness. Evidence is shown here from previously acquired laser-glint data that the laser-glint- count process is fractal, with a dimension that appears to vary with surface roughness. Plans are outlined for deployment of the new laser-glint sensor with fractal signal processing for remotely sensing surface roughness.

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Joseph A. Shaw and James H. Churnside "Infrared laser-glint sensor for measuring fractal sea-surface roughness", Proc. SPIE 3382, Advances in Laser Remote Sensing for Terrestrial and Hydrographic Applications, (3 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.312621

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