Development of FireLidar: an active imaging system for smoke and flame environments

Richard I. Billmers; Elizabeth J. Billmers; Mary E. Ludwig; Edward T. Dressler; Brian McCarthy

doi:10.1117/12.602376

19 May 2005 Development of FireLidar: an active imaging system for smoke and flame environments

Richard I. Billmers, Elizabeth J. Billmers, Mary E. Ludwig, Edward T. Dressler, Brian McCarthy

Proceedings Volume 5791, Laser Radar Technology and Applications X; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602376
Event: Defense and Security, 2005, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

FireLidar, an active optical imaging system, is being developed for use as an aid to search and rescue in smoke and flame environments. The system is intended to augment currently available passive thermal imaging technology by imaging in the presence of a thermal bloom, heavy smoke conditions, or species which strongly absorb thermal radiation, such as water. We present experimental verification of a theoretical model for FireLidar. Lidar range equations for compartment fire scenarios are derived and compared to measurements taken in a controlled smoke chamber. Extinction measurements of near-infrared light through soot particulate provide information about optical properties of fire environments necessary to predict Lidar returns. Measured extinction values are compared to a single-scattering approximation, based on the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans scattering theory for fractal aggregates. Component specifications for a FireLidar prototype system are discussed, including laser power, filter bandwidth, and camera integration times. A man-portable prototype system using specified components is scheduled for completion by the end of 2005, with a handheld device following soon thereafter.

Citation Download Citation

Richard I. Billmers, Elizabeth J. Billmers, Mary E. Ludwig, Edward T. Dressler, and Brian McCarthy "Development of FireLidar: an active imaging system for smoke and flame environments", Proc. SPIE 5791, Laser Radar Technology and Applications X, (19 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602376

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
10 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Cameras

Imaging systems

LIDAR

Refractive index

Scattering

Fractal analysis

Optical filters

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years