Drone-Based Fluorescence Lidar for Agricultural Applications

Abstract

We developed ultracompact fluorescence LiDAR for agricultural applications. To minimize the device, we used laser diode (wavelength 405 nm and power consumption 150 mW) and minispectrometer with wavelength range from 350 nm to 810 nm. We used single board computer to control LiDAR instrument. Small size (10×15×5 cm) and low weight (310 g) of the LiDAR make it possible to install it on a commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Maize field have been sensed by LiDAR to distinguish healthy and plants under stress. Due the measurement we constructed field maps in different wavelengths of fluorescent radiation.