Ultracompact Fluorescence Lidar Based on a Diode Laser (405 nm, 150 mW) for Remote Sensing of Waterbodies and the Underlying Surface from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

We report on developing an ultracompact (∼300 g) fluorescence lidar based on a diode laser (405 nm, 150 mW) and a diffraction spectrometer equipped with a linear photodiode array. Field tests have been performed on remote sensing of vegetation from a quadcopter. The field tests have shown the prospects of autonomous lidar monitoring for early disease detection in crops.