Semiconductor laser based Doppler lidar for wind energy applications
Abstract
We report on the recent advances in the development of semiconductor laser (SL) based Doppler lidar systems for remote wind measurements. A continuous-wave 1550-nm master oscillator power amplifier SL (MOPA-SL) is used as source to meet the typical eye safety and optical power requirements for industrial use of wind lidars. The low cost and small footprint of the MOPA-SL, which potentially allow for the mass production of lidar wind sensors, are unique features that can be used as leverage to address the increasing demand for laser based anemometers from the wind energy market. This paper briefly describes an embodiment of the patented MOPA-SL lidar wind sensor technology and presents some field test results that gauge the sensor's performance.