A multiwavelength distance-measuring instrument for geophysical experiments

Abstract

A multiwavelength distance-measuring (MWDM) instrument that utilizes the dispersive nature of the atmosphere has been developed and tested. With this instrument there is no need for the usual meteorological observations and corrections. This MWDM instrument simultaneously measures the optical path length at three wavelengths, two in the optical region of the spectrum and one in the microwave region. The instrument calculates correction terms from the optical path length differences and then computes the corrected base line distance, the first-order effects of temperature, pressure, and water vapor fluctuations along the line thus being eliminated. Field testing demonstrated that the instrument was capable of making consecutive distance determinations with a standard deviation from the mean as small as 4 parts in 108. The long-term stability of the instrument was investigated from June 1974 to November 1974. The results showed a standard deviation of 1.3 parts in 107 when the data were fit to a sine wave of annual periodicity. The amplitude of this sine wave was 3 parts in 107, which was in good agreement with the predicted results of a two-dimensional thermoelastic model.