High-energy, 2µm laser transmitter for coherent wind LIDAR
Abstract
A coherent Doppler lidar at 2μm wavelength has been built with higher output energy (300 mJ) than previously available. The laser transmitter is based on the solid-state Ho:Tm:LuLiF, a NASA Langley Research Center invented laser material for higher extraction efficiency. This diode pumped injection seeded MOPA has a transform limited line width and diffraction limited beam quality. NASA Langley Research Center is developing coherent wind lidar transmitter technology at eye-safe wavelength for satellite-based observation of wind on a global scale. The ability to profile wind is a key measurement for understanding and predicting atmospheric dynamics and is a critical measurement for improving weather forecasting and climate modeling. We would describe the development and performance of an engineering hardened 2μm laser transmitter for coherent Doppler wind measurement from ground/aircraft/space platform.
- Publication:
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Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference Series
- Pub Date:
- November 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.2308205
- Bibcode:
- 2017SPIE10566E..1NS