Robert L. Lucke

Bio: Robert L. Lucke is an academic researcher from United States Naval Research Laboratory. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hyperspectral imaging & Synthetic aperture radar. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 43 publications receiving 1117 citations.

The Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM) III instrument and early validation results

Abstract: Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM) III, a follow-on to the successful POAM II, is a spaceborne experiment designed to measure the vertical profiles of ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosol extinction in the polar stratosphere and upper troposphere with a vertical resolution of 1–2 km. Measurements are made by the solar occultation technique. POAM III, now in polar orbit aboard the SPOT 4 satellite, is providing data on north- and south-polar ozone phenomena, including the south-polar ozone hole, and on the spatial and temporal variability of stratospheric aerosols, polar stratospheric clouds, and polar mesospheric clouds. Differences between the POAM III and POAM II instruments are described. First validations of POAM III data products by comparison with Halogen Occultation Experiment and ozonesonde data are presented.

Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean: instrument description and first images.

Abstract: The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) is the first spaceborne hyperspectral sensor designed specifically for the coastal ocean and estuarial, riverine, or other shallow-water areas The HICO generates hyperspectral images, primarily over the 400-900 nm spectral range, with a ground sample distance of ≈90 m (at nadir) and a high signal-to-noise ratio The HICO is now operating on the International Space Station (ISS) Its cross-track and along-track fields of view are 42 km (at nadir) and 192 km, respectively, for a total scene area of 8000 km(2) The HICO is an innovative prototype sensor that builds on extensive experience with airborne sensors and makes extensive use of commercial off-the-shelf components to build a space sensor at a small fraction of the usual cost and time Here we describe the instrument's design and characterization and present early images from the ISS

Two-dimensional synthetic aperture imaging in the optical domain

Abstract: In scan-mode synthetic aperture imaging radar, spatial resolution in a range is given by a frequency-swept waveform, whereas resolution in the orthogonal direction is derived from the record of phase as the beam footprint executes linear motion over the object We demonstrate here what is to our knowledge the first two-dimensional imaging that uses exactly this process in the optical domain for a 1 cm x 1 cm object with 90 mumx170 mum resolution

The Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement instrument

Abstract: The second Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement instrument (POAM II) is a spaceborne experiment designed to measure the vertical profiles of ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, aerosol extinction, and temperature in the polar stratosphere and upper troposphere with a vertical resolution of about 1 km. Measurements are made by the solar occultation technique. The instrument package, which has a mass of less than 25 kg, is carried on the Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) 3 spacecraft and has a design lifetime of 3–5 years. POAM II has provided data on the south polar ozone hole, north and south polar ozone phenomena, the spatial and temporal variability of stratospheric aerosols and polar stratospheric clouds, and has detected polar mesospheric clouds.

Impact of signal-to-noise ratio in a hyperspectral sensor on the accuracy of biophysical parameter estimation in case II waters.

Abstract: Errors in the estimated constituent concentrations in optically complex waters due solely to sensor noise in a spaceborne hyperspectral sensor can be as high as 80%. The goal of this work is to elucidate the effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the accuracy of retrieved constituent concentrations. Large variations in the magnitude and spectral shape of the reflectances from coastal waters complicate the impact of SNR on the accuracy of estimation. Due to the low reflectance of water, the actual SNR encountered for a water target is usually quite lower than the prescribed SNR. The low SNR can be a significant source of error in the estimated constituent concentrations. Simulated and measured at-surface reflectances were used in this study. A radiative transfer code, Tafkaa, was used to propagate the at-surface reflectances up and down through the atmosphere. A sensor noise model based on that of the spaceborne hyperspectral sensor HICO was applied to the at-sensor radiances. Concentrations of chlorophyll-a, colored dissolved organic matter, and total suspended solids were estimated using an optimized error minimization approach and a few semi-analytical algorithms. Improving the SNR by reasonably modifying the sensor design can reduce estimation uncertainties by 10% or more.

The Quantum Theory of Light

Abstract: (b) Write out the equations for the time dependence of ρ11, ρ22, ρ12 and ρ21 assuming that a light field interaction V = -μ12Ee iωt + c.c. couples only levels |1> and |2>, and that the excited levels exhibit spontaneous decay. (8 marks) (c) Under steady-state conditions, find the ratio of populations in states |2> and |3>. (3 marks) (d) Find the slowly varying amplitude ̃ ρ 12 of the polarization ρ12 = ̃ ρ 12e iωt . (6 marks) (e) In the limiting case that no decay is possible from intermediate level |3>, what is the ground state population ρ11(∞)? (2 marks) 2. (15 marks total) In a 2-level atom system subjected to a strong field, dressed states are created in the form |D1(n)> = sin θ |1,n> + cos θ |2,n-1> |D2(n)> = cos θ |1,n> sin θ |2,n-1>

The EnMAP Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy Mission for Earth Observation

Abstract: Imaging spectroscopy, also known as hyperspectral remote sensing, is based on the characterization of Earth surface materials and processes through spectrally-resolved measurements of the light interacting with matter. The potential of imaging spectroscopy for Earth remote sensing has been demonstrated since the 1980s. However, most of the developments and applications in imaging spectroscopy have largely relied on airborne spectrometers, as the amount and quality of space-based imaging spectroscopy data remain relatively low to date. The upcoming Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) German imaging spectroscopy mission is intended to fill this gap. An overview of the main characteristics and current status of the mission is provided in this contribution. The core payload of EnMAP consists of a dual-spectrometer instrument measuring in the optical spectral range between 420 and 2450 nm with a spectral sampling distance varying between 5 and 12 nm and a reference signal-to-noise ratio of 400:1 in the visible and near-infrared and 180:1 in the shortwave-infrared parts of the spectrum. EnMAP images will cover a 30 km-wide area in the across-track direction with a ground sampling distance of 30 m. An across-track tilted observation capability will enable a target revisit time of up to four days at the Equator and better at high latitudes. EnMAP will contribute to the development and exploitation of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy applications by making high-quality data freely available to scientific users worldwide.

Sensor capability and atmospheric correction in ocean colour remote sensing

Abstract: Accurate correction of the corrupting effects of the atmosphere and the water’s surface are essential in order to obtain the optical, biological and biogeochemical properties of the water from satellite-based multi- and hyper-spectral sensors. The major challenges now for atmospheric correction are the conditions of turbid coastal and inland waters and areas in which there are strongly-absorbing aerosols. Here, we outline how these issues can be addressed, with a focus on the potential of new sensor technologies and the opportunities for the development of novel algorithms and aerosol models. We review hardware developments, which will provide qualitative and quantitative increases in spectral, spatial, radiometric and temporal data of the Earth, as well as measurements from other sources, such as the Aerosol Robotic Network for Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) stations, bio-optical sensors on Argo (Bio–Argo) floats and polarimeters. We provide an overview of the state of the art in atmospheric correction algorithms, highlight recent advances and discuss the possible potential for hyperspectral data to address the current challenges.

Early On-Orbit Performance of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Satellite

Abstract: The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is one of the key environmental remote-sensing instruments onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership spacecraft, which was successfully launched on October 28, 2011 from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Following a series of spacecraft and sensor activation operations, the VIIRS nadir door was opened on November 21, 2011. The first VIIRS image acquired signifies a new generation of operational moderate resolution-imaging capabilities following the legacy of the advanced very high-resolution radiometer series on NOAA satellites and Terra and Aqua Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer for NASA's Earth Observing system. VIIRS provides significant enhancements to the operational environmental monitoring and numerical weather forecasting, with 22 imaging and radiometric bands covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 12.5 microns, providing the sensor data records for 23 environmental data records including aerosol, cloud properties, fire, albedo, snow and ice, vegetation, sea surface temperature, ocean color, and nigh-time visible-light-related applications. Preliminary results from the on-orbit verification in the postlaunch check-out and intensive calibration and validation have shown that VIIRS is performing well and producing high-quality images. This paper provides an overview of the on-orbit performance of VIIRS, the calibration/validation (cal/val) activities and methodologies used. It presents an assessment of the sensor initial on-orbit calibration and performance based on the efforts from the VIIRS-SDR team. Known anomalies, issues, and future calibration efforts, including the long-term monitoring, and intercalibration are also discussed.