Introduction to Optical Remote Sensing Systems

Level: Introductory Length: 4 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: Scientists, engineers, technicians, or technical managers who find themselves working on (or curious about) optical remote sensing systems or data. Undergraduate training in engineering or science is assumed. Description: This course provides a broad introduction to optical remote sensing systems, including both passive sensors (e.g., radiometers and spectral imagers) and active sensors (e.g., laser radars or LIDARs). A brief review of basic principles of radiometry and atmospheric propagation (absorption, emission, and scattering) is followed by a system-level discussion of a variety of ground-, air-, and space-based remote sensing systems. Key equations are presented for predicting the optical resolution and signal-to-noise performance of passive and active sensing systems. Sensor system examples discussed in the class include solar radiometers, passive spectrometers and hyperspectral imagers, airborne imaging spectrometers, thermal infrared imagers, polarization imagers, and active laser radars (LIDARs and LADARs). The course material is directly relevant to sensing in environmental, civilian, military, astronomical, and solar energy applications. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - review the principles of optical radiometry used to describe and calculate the flow of optical energy in an optical sensor system or solar energy system - describe how the atmosphere affects the propagation of optical radiation - explain how optical atmospheric effects influence remote sensing measurements or solar energy - explain the difference between passive imaging based on reflection and emission - acquire the operating principles of laser radar (lidar/ladar) systems for distributed and solid target sensing - compare systems at the block-diagram level remote sensing measurements - use system parameters in basic radiometric calculations to predict the signal received by passive and active sensors Instructor(s): Joseph A. Shaw is Director of the Optical Technology Center and Distinguished Professor of optics and photonics and electrical engineering at Montana State University. He previously worked at the NOAA research labs in Boulder, Colorado. He is a recognized expert in development, calibration, and analysis of optical remote sensing systems used in environmental, commercial, and military sensing. Recognition for his work in this field includes the Stokes Award from SPIE, the Vaisala Prize from the World Meteorological Organization, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He earned a Ph.D. in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Dr. Shaw is a Fellow of both SPIE and Optica. Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics 2024 Course Held: 19 August 2024