Monte Carlo Simulation of Multiple Photon Scattering in Sugar Maple Tree Canopies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Publication Source

Applied Optics

Abstract

Detecting objects hidden beneath forest canopies is a difficult task for optical remote sensing systems. Rather than relying upon the existence of gaps between leaves, as other researchers have done, our ultimate goal is to use light scattered by leaves to image through dense foliage. Herein we describe the development of a Monte Carlo model for simulating the scattering of light as it propagates through the leaves of an extended tree canopy. We measured several parameters, including the gap fraction and maximum leaf-area density, of a nearby sugar maple tree grove and applied them to our model. We report the results of our simulation in both the ground and the receiver planes for an assumed illumination angle of 80°. To validate our model, we then illuminated the sugar maple tree grove at 80° and collected data both on the canopy floor and at our monostatic receiver aperture. Experimental results were found to correlate well with our simulated expectations.

Inclusive pages

6159-6171

ISBN/ISSN

1559-128X

Publisher

Optical Society of America

Volume

48

Issue

32

Peer Reviewed

yes

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