Laser radars for marine monitoring

Abstract

Lidar fluorosensors, i.e. laser radars based on laser induced fluorescence (LIF), have been extensively operated by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) to real-time monitoring of water bodies. LIF spectra contain unique signatures of phytoplankton pigments, chromophoric dissolved organic matter and dispersed impurities (crude oils). In this paper, we present technological innovations and oceanographic campaigns carried out by the Diagnostics and Metrology Laboratory (FSN-TECFIS-DIM) of ENEA. In particular, the lidar fluorosensors developed in 2017 within the RITMARE and RIMA projects will be described, and the preliminary results of the High North 18 and Flex 2018 campaigns will be reported.