Lidar

Abstract

Lidar uses laser energy in radar fashion to observe atmospheric backscattering as a function of range. The concomitant attenuation of energy along the intervening path complicates the evaluation of the observations, but even on a qualitative basis the delineation of clouds or of structure in the apparently clear air is of considerable value in operational meteorology and atmospheric research. Under certain conditions the atmosphere’s optical parameters may be evaluated and related to meteorologically significant characteristics. Advanced techniques based on resonant absorption and Raman shift backscattering are briefly noted. The current attainment and future prospects of lidar are reviewed.

© 1970 Optical Society of America

Lidar evaluation of smoke and dust clouds

Edward E. Uthe
Appl. Opt. 20(9) 1503-1510 (1981)

A Comparison of Remote Sensing of the Clear Atmosphere by Optical, Radio, and Acoustic Radar Techniques

V. E. Derr and C. G. Little
Appl. Opt. 9(9) 1976-1992 (1970)

Absolute Calibration of a Laser System for Atmospheric Probing

F. F. Hall and H. Y. Ageno
Appl. Opt. 9(8) 1820-1824 (1970)

The Analysis of Lidar Signatures of Cirrus Clouds

P. A. Davis
Appl. Opt. 8(10) 2099-2102 (1969)

Doppler lidar atmospheric wind sensor: reevaluation of a 355-nm incoherent Doppler lidar

David Rees and I. Stuart McDermid
Appl. Opt. 29(28) 4133-4144 (1990)