Patent ID: 7106447
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: G01P,G01S,Y02A

Abstract:
1. An optical air data system, comprising: a. a laser adapted to output a first beam of light; b. an optical head, wherein said optical head provides for directing at least one second beam of light into an atmosphere, said at least one second beam of light is from said first beam of light, and said optical head provides for collecting light backscattered by molecules or aerosols of said atmosphere; c. a reference beam from said first beam of light; d. an interferometer, wherein a first portion of said interferometer is adapted to receive said reference beam, at least one second portion of said interferometer is adapted to receive at least one light signal from said light backscattered by said molecules or aerosols of said atmosphere, said first and second portions of said interferometer are distinct, said interferometer is operative to generate a first fringe pattern associated with said reference beam, and said interferometer is operative to generate an at least one second fringe pattern associated with said at least one light signal from said light backscattered by said molecules or aerosols of said atmosphere; e. at least one detector, wherein said at least one detector is adapted to detect said first fringe pattern and said at least one second fringe pattern, and said at least one detector is adapted to output a corresponding at least one signal; and f. a data processor adapted to determine at least one air data product responsive to said at least one signal.