Field measurements of natural and artificial targets using a mid-infrared laser reflectance sensor

A tunable mid-infrared CO₂ laser reflectance sensor operating in the 9-11 μm wavelength range has been developed and field-tested at the University of Nebraska. This system is capable of gathering reflectance data at various wavelengths, incidence angles and linear polarization combinations. Preliminary measurements of various natural and artificial targets such as soil, coniferous and deciduous trees, concrete and brick building material at distances of up to 100 m demonstrate the potential of this system to characterize the mid-infrared reflectance of terrain features for remote sensing applications. Field-acquired data compare well with data on similar materials measured in the laboratory under controlled conditions.