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High-power doppler lidar: Results of field calibration and initial applications to atmospheric research

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Abstract

We present our initial field operating experiences using the NOAA pulsed CO2 Doppler lidar after its upgrading with a 2-J/pulse 50-Hz repetition rate transmitter. The transmitter incorporates a positive-branch unstable resonator cavity design for the power oscillator to achieve high power and a cw beam injected from an external laser for frequency control. The lidar is housed in a semitrailer which facilitates deployment at remote field sites. We have shown previously1 during laboratory tests of the transceiver that the power level and chirp characteristics of the generated pulses are within the design goals of 2 J/pulse and <100 kHz for the nominal 3-μs pulse duration. Field calibrations have been conducted to establish the performance characteristics of the overall lidar; they involved interrogation of a standard target at known ranges. Analysis of these data will yield an estimate for the overall efficiency of the lidar. Signal vs range profiles will be compared against theoretical antenna gain predictions generated for the annularly apodized beam emitted by the laser. An assessment will be given of the external injection, unstable TEA oscillator approach vis-a-vis the hybrid stable TEA oscillator configuration of the transmitter previously incorporated in the NOAA lidar. The upgraded lidar has been used in remote sensing investigations of the atmosphere, and examples of the data obtained will be presented.

© 1986 Optical Society of America

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