Abstract

A short historical review is presented at the outset. The background theory of the Raman effect is reviewed including the details of the origin of the specific spectra which are of greatest interest. The important cross sections are tabulated along with the line assignments of the various spectra associated with atmospheric constituents of meteorological interest. In addition the theory of the laser radar operation is presented along with a discussion of the various phenomena which contribute to signal/noise problems. This includes not only the usual sources of statistical noise such as shot noise from the photodetector and background sky noise, but consideration is given to the sources of systematic errors which are often neglected. This latter consideration permits discussion of error on the received signal as well as that of the meteorological parameters themselves.

© 1983 Optical Society of America