The Connecticut State University Lidar Collaboratory

The Connecticut State University (CSU) Lidar Collaboratory provides a web-based infrastructure that supports education and research in the sciences through shared access to laser radar (lidar) instrumentation, analysis software and educational modules. The CSU Lidar Collaboratory started in 2003 as a joint venture, with support from the National Science Foundation, between the two largest institutions in the CSU System, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). The Collaboratory lidar instrumentation is physically located at CCSU and Collaboratory computational resources are physically located at SCSU.

Lidar Instrumentation

The Collaboratory lidar system is a ground-based, eyesafe Micro Pulse Lidar System built by Sigma Space Corporation. The system is capable of continuous monitoring of the vertical structure of the atmosphere. The data collected provides vital information concerning cloud and aerosol structures.

Lidar Data Analysis Software

The data analysis software consists of a system of Matlab programs designed to analyze data in NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) file formats that has been stored in the lidar database.

Educational Modules

Currently, educational modules have been developed that focus on introductory lidar concepts and selected topics from mathematics, computer science and physics. With each module there are associated interactive lidar remote control experiments and/or data analysis experiments. Concepts presented in the modules are reinforced through ``test your knowledge'' quizzes.