Abstract

The picosecond satellite laser ranging on several wavelengths is used to measure the atmospheric dispersion and hence to verify the existing atmospheric density profile models. The picosecond pulses from the NdYAG laser: the second harmonic together with its Raman Stokes and anti-Stokes wavelength generated in hydrogen are used. Ranging on several wavelengths simultaneously, the atmospheric dispersion may be evaluated on the basis of the measured propagation time difference for various wavelengths pairs. The first experimental results of multiple wavelengths ranging to the ground targets and Earth orbiting satellites are presented.

© 1994 Optical Society of America