Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)

Upward viewing lidar mounted on the Lander deck.

Provided by Space Research Institute (IKI) (Russian Academy of Science) under sponsorship of the Russian Space Agency (RSA).

LIDAR transmitter uses a pulsed GaAlAs laser diode

2 sounding modes: Active sounding: light pulses emitted and thier return timed to locate and characterize ice and dust hazes below 2-3 km Acoustic device (microphone)

The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system is a laser sounder located on the Lander deck. It is composed of a sensor and electronics assembly. The LIDAR transmitter uses a Galium-Aluminum-Arsenic laser which emits energy in pulses at a constant rate and wavelength. The LIDAR has two sounding modes: active and acoustic. During active sounding, light pulses are emitted and their return is timed in order to locate and characterize ice and dust hazes to a level of 2 to 3 kilometers. An acoustic device, the Mars Microphone, will also be included as part of the LIDAR assembly.

The LIDAR is provided by the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Science, under the sponsorship of the Russian Space Agency (RSA). The Principal Investigator is Viacheslav Linkin.

The LIDAR transmitter uses a pulsed GaAlAs laser diode which emits 400 nJ energy in 100 nsec pulses at a rate of 2.5 kHz and at 0.88 µm wavelength. The LIDAR has two sounding modes. During active sounding, light pulses are emitted and their return timed in order to locate and characterize ice and dust hazes in the lowest few kilometers (< 2-3 km). An acoustic device (microphone) will also be included as part of the LIDAR assembly.

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