Pulsed Doppler Lidar Research Articles

Potential for a Lidar-Based, Portable, 1 km Meteorological Tower

Abstract Lidar measurements of wind, temperature and water vapor, using a variety of techniques that rely on the detection and analysis of laser light backscattered from the atmosphere, allow data to be obtained that are similar to those hypothetically available from a meteorologically instrumented lower extending to 1 km altitude (or more). This paper reviews these various recent accomplishments in lidar instrumentation without attempting historical completeness. Based on criteria of 1) altitude resolution to 50 m, 2) tower-like measurement geometry, 3) hardware commonality between techniques and 4) daytime as well as nighttime operation, the intercomparison results in recommended techniques to be combined for a compact, mobile lidar “tower.” For horizontal wind, recommendations include pulsed time-of-flight lidar, for vertical wind, pulsed direct Doppler lidar at visible or shorter wavelengths; for temperature, Cabannes-scattering linewidth or rotational Raman band shape; and for water vapor, vibrationa...

Wind Field Measurement in the Nonprecipitous Regions Surrounding Severe Storms by an Airborne Pulsed Doppler Lidar System

Abstract Coherent Doppler lidar appears to hold great promise in contributing to the basic store of knowledge concerning flow field characteristics in the nonprecipitous regions surrounding severe storms. The Doppler lidar, through its ability to measure clear air returns, augments the conventional Doppler radar system, which is most useful in the precipitous regions of the storm. A brief description of the Doppler lidar severe storm measurement system is provided along with the technique to be used in performing the flow field measurements. The application of the lidar is addressed, and the planned measurement program is outlined.