Abstract

A mobile differential absorption coaxial LIDAR system has been constructed (Petrolaser/LaSen and Titan/Spectron general and subcontractors, respectively) operating in the 3.1 - 3.7 micron range. This instrument is the first of its kind; although, the use of lithium niobate optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) in LIDAR instruments is not new^1-3, there have been none that have successfully probed the atmosphere in this spectral region on a consistent basis. The C-H stretching frequency is found in this spectral region thus making this eye safe LIDAR system of intense interest to the petroleum industry for which it was constructed. The primary goals of this device are exploration and environmental monitoring of methane, ethane, and propane.

© 1993 Optical Society of America