Abstract

The Airborne DIALEX instrument /1/ is an active single-ended dual-wavelength sensor. At present it is equipped with two line-tunable cw CO₂ lasers and employs heterodyne detection. The return signal is provided by scattering and reflection at the earth's surface. The processed signal takes the form Filtering the differential albedo effect provides a new exciting possibility for active remote sensing of earth surface spectral signatures. Instruments of the DIALEX-type are well suited for this purpose because the coherent detection scheme provides the required sensitivity even at high flight altitudes.

© 1983 Optical Society of America