Multiple operational modes for aircraft laser sensing systems

A system for an aircraft, the system comprising:

• an optical sensor configured to emit a laser through a window of the aircraft;
• at least one aircraft sensor configured to sense at least one aircraft condition;
• and
• a controller configured to determine a first operational state of the aircraft based upon the at least one aircraft condition and determine a second operational state of the aircraft based on the at least one aircraft condition;
• wherein the controller is further configured to operate the optical sensor to emit the laser at a first intensity during the first operational state and a second intensity during the second operational state, wherein the second intensity is greater than the first intensity.

A laser sensing system comprising:

• a laser emitter configured to emit a laser;
• and
• a controller configured to control the laser emitter, wherein the controller operates the laser sensing system in a first operating mode based upon detected conditions, and operates the laser sensing system in a second operating mode based upon the detected conditions;
• wherein the controller controls the laser emitter to emit the laser at a first intensity during the first operating mode and a second intensity during the second operating mode, wherein the second intensity is greater than the first intensity.