Abstract

Laser sources employed in light detection and ranging (lidar) systems for the quantification of atmospheric parameters such as wind velocity, temperature or trace gas concentration need to fulfill a large set of strict requirements regarding their power performance as well as their spatial and spectral properties. In particular, the generation of high-energy output pulses in the UV spectral region with excellent spectral purity is mandatory for the precise measurement of wind velocities by means of direct-detection Doppler wind lidar systems. Here, the frequency stability of the laser transmitter must be better than 5 MHz to ensure low systematic errors in wind velocity of about 1 m/s. The realization of reliable, high spectral brightness laser sources is further complicated when operating in severe vibration environments such as on ships or aircraft.

© 2017 IEEE