Myth: Direct Detection Wind LIDAR systems are too large for practical applications.

Fact: MAC’s patented technologies have resulted in airborne optical air data systems less than 2 cubic feet in volume and portable ground systems less than 3 cubic feet, including the laser.

Myth: Wind LIDAR systems are fragile, unsuitable for use in harsh environments.

Fact: MAC’s Direct Detection interferometers are the only ones to have flown successfully on spacecraft and aircraft platforms, in addition to harsh ground environments. Our interferometers have been qualified under severe spacecraft launch vehicle, high-dynamic aircraft, and high-altitude aircraft environments for multiple customers. Airborne platforms include rotorcraft (MOADS), high-dynamic and/or high-altitude aircraft (GIFS and TWiLiTE), and UAVs; launch vehicles include the Delta II (Backup CALIPSO etalon and Cryogenic Etalon). Past space missions include the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) and the Fabry Perot Instrument aboard Dynamics Explorer 2; MAC President and Chief Scientist Paul Hays served as Principal Investigator for both.

Myth: Wind LIDAR systems cannot make accurate measurements outside of the atmospheric boundary layer, where particles and droplets (aerosols) may not be present.

Fact: MAC’s patented Direct Detection wind LIDAR technology enables operation in completely clear air, with or without the presence of aerosols. This allows operation at high altitudes and over oceans, where many competing technologies fail. Our systems have also been proven to operate in high aerosol environments.