NOAA ESRL Physical Sciences Division  
Optical Remote Sensing Division
Instruments
Mini-MOPA CO2 Doppler Lidar
Principal Investigator
Dr. W. Alan Brewer
Dr. Wynn L. Eberhard
Dr. R. Michael Hardesty
Example Data

The Mini-MOPA lidar is housed in a mobile laboratory constructed from a modified sea-going cargo container.

Mini-MOPA CO2 Doppler Lidar

Applications

Field Projects

July/August 2002 New Hampshire
September/October 2001 Tropical Eastern Pacific
September 2000 New Hampshire
  • Ammonia DIAL Measurements
March-May 2000 Boulder, Colorado
June/July 1999 Nashville, Tennsessee
  • Table Mountain Doppler Experiment
Nov. 1998 - Jan. 1999 Boulder, Colorado
  • CART (Cloud and Radiation Testbed)/
    ARM (Atmospheric Radiation Measurement)
April 1996 Ponca City, Oklahoma

Basic Parameters Measured

  • Range resolved radial velocity
  • Range resolved backscatter intensity
  • Dual wavelength differential absorption or backscatter (under development)

Typical Specifications:

Wavelength 9.2 - 11.3 µm line tunable (Fully eye-safe)
Pulse energy 2 mJ
Pulse rate < 300 Hz
Pulse length 0.5 - 10 µs
Wavelength switching rate < 50 Hz
Scan Upper hemisphere
Resolution RangeTime
> 60 m 0.3 sec (100 pulse avg.)
Minimum range 90 m
Maximum range 5 - 12 km
Velocity accuracy > 5 cm s-1
Comments
  • Radio frequency discharge technology in CO2 lasers decreases maintenance and increases lifetime.
  • C13 isotope laser gas mix will extend wavelength tuning range and decrease atmospheric CO2 absorption.
  • We are currently modifying the instrument to operate at two wavelengths for differential backscatter and absorption measurements.

References

Zhao, Y., "Line-pair selections for remote sensing of atmospheric ammonia by use of a coherent CO2 differential absorption lidar system." Applied Optics, 39(6):997-1007, 2000.

Brewer, W.A., and R.M. Hardesty, "Development of a dual-wavelength CO2 mini-MOPA Doppler lidar." OSA Coherent Laser Radar, Keystone, Colorado, 293-296, 1995.

Pearson, G.N., and B.J. Rye, "A high-pulse-repetition-frequency CO2 Doppler lidar for atmospheric monitoring." Rev. Sci. Instrum., 64, 1155-1157, 1993.

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Earth System Research Laboratory
Physical Science Division (PSD)
Formerly
Environmental Technology Laboratory

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