IEEE AP-S SIGHT, COPE and EPICS Project: LIDAR-based Carbon Sensing
LIDAR-based carbon sensing is a sophisticated remote sensing technique that enables precise and real-time measurement of atmospheric carbon compounds, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which are both significant contributors to global warming. This technology employs the Differential Absorption LIDAR (DIAL) methodology, which emits laser pulses at specific wavelengths that are selectively absorbed by the target gases. As a result, it allows for accurate concentration profiling across various altitudes and geographic regions.
LIDAR systems can be integrated into ground stations, airborne platforms, or satellite systems, providing high-resolution data essential for tracking emission sources, validating climate models, and monitoring natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands. As the urgency to address climate change increases, LIDAR-based sensing becomes a critical tool for understanding the dynamics of greenhouse gases and guiding effective global environmental policies.
Carbon dioxide has strong absorption lines near 1.57 µm (1570 nm), located in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Indium Phosphide (InP)-based distributed feedback (DFB) diode lasers and tunable diode lasers are ideal for generating light at these wavelengths. InP diode lasers can be finely tuned to specific absorption lines of CO₂, allowing for precise targeting of the required “on-line” and “off-line” wavelengths in DIAL systems. The range of 1.5–1.6 µm falls within a telecom window, giving InP diode lasers the advantage of using mature optical fiber components and detectors, which help reduce system costs and complexity.
Due to their compact, efficient, and reliable nature, InP diode lasers are well-suited for applications such as:
- Airborne LIDAR
- Ground-based CO₂ monitoring
- Potential satellite missions
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- 201 McLean Blvd.Synergy Microwave Corporation
- Paterson, New Jersey
- United States 07504
- Contact Event Hosts
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Dr. Ajay Poddar (akpoddar@ieee.org); Dr. Anisha Apte (anisha_apte@ieee.org), Dr. Edip Niver (edip.niver@njit.edu)
- Co-sponsored by North Jersey Section, AP-S COPE and AP-S SIGHT
Speakers
Prof. Ulrich L Rohde
LIDAR for Carbon Detection in the Atmosphere
LIDAR-based carbon sensing is an advanced remote sensing technique that allows for real-time measurement of atmospheric carbon compounds, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which contribute to global warming. Utilizing the Differential Absorption LIDAR (DIAL) method, it emits laser pulses at specific wavelengths absorbed by these gases, enabling precise concentration profiling across different altitudes and regions. Mounted on ground stations, aircraft, or satellites, LIDAR systems provide high-resolution data for tracking emissions, validating climate models, and monitoring natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands. As climate change mitigation efforts grow, LIDAR-based sensing becomes vital for understanding greenhouse gas dynamics and shaping environmental policies.
Biography:
Prof. Dr. Ing. habil. Ulrich L. Rohde is a partner at Rohde & Schwarz in Munich, Germany, and serves as the Chairman of Synergy Microwave Corp. in Paterson, New Jersey. He is also the President of Communications Consulting Corporation and holds the position of honorary member of the Senate at both the University of the Armed Forces Munich and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg in Germany. Additionally, he is a former member of the Board of Directors of Ansoft Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rohde is a Professor of Radio-Microwave Frequency Theory and Techniques at various universities worldwide. His positions include Honorary Professor at IIT Delhi, Honorary Chair Professor at IIT Jammu, a Professor at the University of Oradea for Microwave Technology, an Honorary Professor at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg University of Technology, and a professor at the German Armed Forces University Munich in Technical Informatics. He has published over 350 scientific papers, co-authored more than a dozen books, and holds numerous patents. Dr. Rohde has received several prestigious awards, including the 2019 IETE Fellow Award, the 2019 IEEE CAS Industrial Pioneer Award, the 2017 RCA Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2017 IEEE-Cady Award, the 2017 IEEE AP-S Distinguished Achievement Award, the 2016 IEEE MTT-S Applications Award, the 2015 IEEE-Rabi Award, the 2015 IEEE Region-1 Award, and the 2014 IEEE-Sawyer Award.
In 2021, Dr. Rohde was honored with the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Order of Merit is the highest tribute that Germany can bestow upon individuals for their service to the nation.
Email:
Address:New Jersey, United States
Dr. Ing. Habil Ajay K. Poddar of Synergy Microwave Corp.
Advanced AI, Machine Learning, and Virtual Reality Technologies for Atmospheric Carbon Detection Using LIDAR
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR) with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology for carbon detection in the atmosphere significantly enhances the accuracy, efficiency, interpretation, and visualization of greenhouse gas monitoring systems. A sophisticated drone-mounted LIDAR system can be outfitted with advanced indium phosphide (InP) diode lasers, which are capable of emitting specific wavelengths that facilitate the precise measurement of carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations across various urban landscapes. The system collects high-resolution data by scanning the atmosphere and capturing the reflectance of emitted laser pulses.
Real-time signal processing is conducted by an edge AI module, which employs complex algorithms to analyze the incoming data, estimate CO₂ concentrations, and swiftly identify any anomalies in the readings that may indicate unusual emission sources or events. These findings are then transmitted to an interactive VR dashboard, where city planners and environmental scientists can visualize the data in a three-dimensional space. This setup allows users to engage with the information dynamically, assess different emission sources, and simulate various mitigation scenarios, such as policy changes or the implementation of green technologies, to better understand the potential impacts on air quality and climate change.
Overall, this integrated approach improves the monitoring of greenhouse gases and empowers decision-makers with actionable insights for sustainable urban planning and environmental management.
Biography:
Ajay K. Poddar is an IEEE Fellow and member of IEEE Eta-Kappa-Nu, working as a Chief Scientist at Synergy Microwave, NJ, USA, responsible for the design and development of signal generation and signal processing electronics, RF-MEMS, and Metamaterial-Sensors/Electronics for industrial, medical, and space applications. He is also serving as a visiting professor at the University of Oradea, Romania, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, India, and a guest lecturer at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Previously (1991-2001), he was a Senior Scientist and Program Manager at DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), Ministry of Defense, India, and a visiting Professor at the University of Pune, India. Dr. Poddar graduated from IIT-Delhi, India; his Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) from Technical University Berlin, Germany; Post Doctorate (Dr.-Ing. habil) from Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus, Germany. He has received over a dozen awards, to name a few 2015 IEEE IFCS Cady Award in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions to a host of frequency-generating and frequency-controlled electronics and timing devices for industrial, medical, and space applications, and the recipient of the 2023 RCA Armstrong Medal for outstanding contributions to radio and wireless communications, 2018 IEEE MGA Innovation Award for his dedicated volunteering service to members, chapters and humanitarian projects, recipient 2015 IEEE R1 Award for “Outstanding Scientific Contributions, Leadership and Service, recipient 2009 IEEE R1 Award for “Outstanding Leadership and Contributions in the Research, Design and Development of Microwave Systems, and selected in the list of Divine Innovator “Divine Innovation: 10 Technologies Changing the Future of Passive and Control Components” (Photo shows on Cover page, Microwave Journal, November 2011). Dr. Poddar published 350-plus scientific papers in journals, magazines, and conference proceedings, co-authored five technical books/chapters, and 40-plus patents for scientific and technological innovations. For the past 30 years, he has supervised many Ph.D. students worldwide, served as an editor of many technical journals, and is currently serving on several scientific committees, professional societies, and voluntary organizations. As the Chair of the Global IEEE Chapter Activity Committee, Dr. Poddar has created over 200 chapters worldwide in the last 20 years to connect the outreach regions to benefit the members and local communities. Dr. Poddar has been actively involved with IEEE SIGHT/HAC, IEEE sister societies, and IEEE MGA activities, including charitable services for addressing inequality, especially in underserved communities.
Address:New Jersey, United States
Dr. Jawad Siddiqui of Royal Military College of Canada, Queens University
LIDAR for Carbon Detection in the Atmosphere
Biography:
Jawad Y. Siddiqui is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics, University of Calcutta, India. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Radio Physics and Electronics, from the University of Calcutta in 2005. He worked as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Royal Military College of Canada and as a Visiting Researcher at Queen’s University, Canada, from 2008 to 2021. He has more than 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. His research areas include printed circuits and antennas, radar, and nano-photonics. He is a Co-Principal Investigator on the Stratosphere Troposphere (ST) Radar Project at the University of Calcutta. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and was Chair for the AP-S and MTT-S Jt. Chapter in IEEE Kolkata Section and SIGHT Chapter, IEEE Kolkata Section. He is the R10 Coordinator (CAC) of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society. He is currently the IEEE AP-S SIGHT Chair and a Member of the IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee. He is also a Member of the MTT-S Meetings and Symposia Committee. He is the recipient of the 2022 IETE S.N. Mitra Award.
Email:
Address:Royal Military College of Canada, Queens University, , United States