Abstract

Differential absorption lidar is a very powerful technique for the retrieval of trace gas profiles in the atmosphere. While it has been applied successfully for many trace gases like O₃, NO₂, NO, SO₂, and many others for a rather long time already, the application to water vapor profiling had proven difficult due to the narrow linewidth of the water vapor absorption lines, and due to the rather high accuracy requirements in atmospheric research. With new achievements in laser technology the main restrictions have been overcome during the past years so that accurate measurements can be performed now.

© 1998 IEEE