Coherent laser radar at 2 μm using solid-state lasers

The development of a coherent laser radar system using 2-μm Tm and Tm, Ho-doped solid-state lasers, which is useful for the remote range-resolved measurement of atmospheric winds, aerosol backscatter, and differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of atmospheric water vapor and CO₂ concentrations, is described. Measurements made with the 2-μm coherent laser radar system, advances in the laser technology, and atmospheric propagation effects on 2-μm coherent lidar performance are discussed. Results include horizontal atmospheric wind measurements to >20 km. vertical wind measurements to >5 km, near-horizontal cloud returns to 100 km, and hard target (mountainside) returns from 145 km