Abstract

Single frequency Nd:YAG is potentially a very useful laser source for remote wind velocity measurements by coherent LIDAR Doppler velocimetry.¹ The measurements require a laser source with less than 1 MHz linewidth, pulse energy and widths of 300 mJ at 1 psec and local oscillator power of 1-10 milliwatts for heterodyne detection of the return signal. During the past year we have pursued the design of a single axial mode Nd:YAG oscillator with the goal of demonstrating a frequency stability adequate for wind velocity measurements.

© 1982 Optical Society of America