Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILTDiode-pumped Alexandrite Laser Instrument for Next Generation Satellite-based Earth Observation
“ALISE” (Diode-pumped Alexandrite Laser Instrument for Next Generation Satellite-based Earth Observation) is carried by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Together with the Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics (IAP) and the subcontractor “Airbus Defence & Space”, scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT are working on research into optical technologies for satellite-based observation of the global climate.
The goal of the ALISE project is to demonstrate that a diode-pumped Alexandrite laser fulfills all the spectral, spatial and energetic requirements for climate-relevant Doppler resonance lidar measurements as well as the requirements concerning the efficiency and repetition rate of space-based systems.
Combined with novel lidar technology, this system constitutes a first step toward satellite-based global temperature and wind measurement in the mesosphere with high temporal and spatial resolution. For the first time, it will be possible to detect gravity waves in the mesosphere and to depict their influence on the world climate in models.
Specific project objectives:
- To demonstrate that a Q-switched diode-pumped Alexandrite laser operates reliably in single-frequency mode for the first time
- To measure various climate-relevant parameters in the atmosphere
- To investigate innovative concepts for further developing the laser design of diode-pumped Alexandrite lasers
- To evaluate how suitable the concept is for use in space
To learn more and check out the latest project results, please see the project website run by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
