Abstract

A multiple wavelength, pulsed CO₂ lidar system that operates at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) up to 200 Hz (for a single wavelength) and permits the random selection of CO₂ laser wavelengths for each laser pulse is presented. The CO₂ laser was developed by Laser Science Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The lidar system is employed to measure atmospheric transmission using laser pulse bursts consisting of groups of 10 different wavelengths (the maximum available is 16 wavelengths) at a repetition rate of up to 3 Hz (the maximum available is 12 Hz) and at a PRF of 150 Hz for wavelengths within a burst. The, tuning mechanism for switching wavelengths utilizes a stationary grating and a flat mirror controlled by a galvanometer. The laser is able to transmit up to 100 mJ per pulse.

© 1991 Optical Society of America