Inversion of extinction coefficient for scattering media based on range-gated detection

Abstract

The extinction coefficient is an important parameter for describing light transmitting properties in the scattering medium. However, the single-point detection way and the large inversion error of the existing techniques cannot satisfy the need for spatial analysis and data application. A novel approach for inversion of extinction coefficient based on range-gated detection utilizing backward scattering of medium is proposed, and an inversion algorithm for extinction coefficient is established utilizing the backscattering signal of multiple adjacent spatial slices of the medium. The method can simultaneously invert transverse multiple-points extinction coefficient and longitudinal profile of extinction coefficient. Further, experiments are conducted in the scattering medium including fog and smoke based on the fabricated range-gated extinction-coefficient detection and inversion system, and the results demonstrate that inversion with the error less than 5% can be achieved at different detection distances, different concentrations and different kinds of scattering mediums. This approach offers a convenient, rapid and accurate means to acquire extinction coefficients, laying the foundation for the development of efficient environmental monitoring and high-quality defogging imaging.