Evaluation of MISI for Addition of Lidar System and Proposed Design of Lidar System

Cynthia Scigaj

LIght Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a valuable tool for collecting information along the coastline, which is also referred to as the littoral zone. Data collected in this area is useful for the study and analysis of algae growth, water depths, and identifying objects in shallow waters. A LIDAR system typically consists of a pulsed LASER, a light collection device, and a sensor. Currently at RIT we have an airborne imager called the Modular Imaging Spectrometer Instrument (MISI). MISI is a passive system and currently obtains data in the visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. My objective was to analyze the MISI optical path to determine whether or not a LIDAR could be incorporated into it, and if not, then to design a separate system. This research was conducted by creating several analyses of possible systems using an optical software package called Optical Software for Layout and Optimization (OSLO).