Abstract

A narrow-band solid-state laser source for remote sensing of atmospheric pollutants and meteo parameters from a truck-mounted Differential Absorption Lidar system (DIAL) has been realized. The laser source, based on a Ti:sapphire laser, was originally designed for measurement of H₂O and temperature (O₂) profiles in the Near IR (767–830 nm). During the work the design has been modified to allow for measurement of gaseous pollutants (NO, SO₂, O₃, NO₂) with absorption in the VIS-UV region (225–450 nm). To extend the tunability of the Ti:sapphire beyond the original design range (750–850 nm) up in the VIS-UV region, a frequency-mixing/conversion scheme using three BBO crystals has been selected. The block diagram of the laser is shown in Fig. 1.

© 1994 IEEE