A versatile instrument with an optical parametric oscillator transmitter tunable from 1.5 to 3.1 µm for aerosol lidar and DIAL

Iain Robinson; Jim W. Jack; Cameron F. Rae; John Moncrieff

doi:10.1117/12.2029164

22 October 2013 A versatile instrument with an optical parametric oscillator transmitter tunable from 1.5 to 3.1 μm for aerosol lidar and DIAL

Iain Robinson, Jim W. Jack, Cameron F. Rae, John Moncrieff

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8894, Lidar Technologies, Techniques, and Measurements for Atmospheric Remote Sensing IX; 88940L (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2029164
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2013, Dresden, Germany

Abstract

Lidar is a valuable tool for atmospheric monitoring, allowing range-resolved profile measurements of a variety of quantities including aerosols, wind, pollutants and greenhouse gases. We report here the development of a versatile fielddeployable instrument for monitoring the lower troposphere. This region includes the effects of surface–atmosphere interactions and is an area where the resolution of satellite data is generally poor. Our instrument has been designed with the goal of making range-resolved measurements of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, as well as probing the structure of the boundary layer. The key component is a tunable laser source based on an optical parametric oscillator covering the wavelength range 1.5–3.1 μm. This relatively eye-safe spectral region includes absorption lines of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases enabling the application of the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique, whilst also being suitable for aerosol lidar. We also report the use of an avalanche photodiode detector with high sensitivity and low noise. Field tests of the instrument were performed, recording continuous lidar signals over extended periods. The data were digitized at up to 8 signals per second. Scattering from aerosols and molecules was detected to a maximum range of 2 km, whilst scattering from cloud was recorded at up to 6 km. The data are plotted as time-versus-range images to show the dynamic state of the atmosphere evolving over time. These results demonstrate that the lidar achieves key requirements for both aerosol scatter and DIAL: tunability of the transmitter wavelength, sensitivity to molecular and aerosol scattering and robustness for field use.

Citation Download Citation

Iain Robinson, Jim W. Jack, Cameron F. Rae, and John Moncrieff "A versatile instrument with an optical parametric oscillator transmitter tunable from 1.5 to 3.1 μm for aerosol lidar and DIAL", Proc. SPIE 8894, Lidar Technologies, Techniques, and Measurements for Atmospheric Remote Sensing IX, 88940L (22 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2029164

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available