Optimization analysis of gate width for detecting atmospheric turbulence with differential image motion LiDAR

Through theoretical calculations and field experiments, the setting of gate width in distance gating technology has been optimized in DIM LiDAR. The mathematical relationship between gate width and detection distance has been derived. The relationship curves between gate width and image signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), as well as gate width and atmospheric refractive index structure constant \(C_n^2\) $C_n^2$ were obtained. The results indicate that at a constant detection distance, there is a gradual increase in the SNR of the image with increasing gate width, followed by a saturation point. The higher the SNR, the closer the inverted \(C_n^2\) $C_n^2$ is to the ultrasonic anemometer. Meanwhile, if the SNR is similar, the inverted \(C_n^2\) $C_n^2$ is similar. Finally, the appropriate gate width for this system is given.