Abstract

We describe a specific new technique for optimizing a Raman-shifted Nd:YAG laser system capable of generating 1.54-μm radiation in the eye-safe infrared for cloud and aerosol studies. The existing lidar systems are not eye-safe, in general, and pose potential risk of eye damage especially in the case of downward pointing lidar systems. This laser system can also be used to generate multiple wavelengths through SRS (stimulated Raman scattering) to study the aerosol, whose sizes cover many orders of magnitude and whose scattering properties strongly depend on the incident wavelength.¹

© 1990 Optical Society of America