Detection and mapping of oil slicks by a compact diode Lidar

On the basis of an original spaceborne, Lidar for Mars-98 Lander Probe Mission a compact nanoJoule backscatter laser radar system capable to detect oil slicks and other water surface pollutants within a one kilometer range was developed. A relatively simple and low-cost lidar based on a single photon receiver and high repetition rate diode laser with an extremely low energy level was presented as a new compact Lidar generation for an environmental sensing without eyes protection. Examples of the oil slicks/spots detection and scattered solar radiation measurements` obtained in both active and passive lidar operation modes are presented. A new approach to increase the pollutant`s sensitivity by using two pass probing of a skin water layer is demonstrated and discussed.