Pulsed heterodyne CO2 laser/scanner system

Ten micron heterodyne laser radar offers a new type of remote sensor that can add significantly to our characterization and understanding of the atmosphere. For example, accurate range resolved measurements of air velocity via the Doppler of aerosol backscatter to distances of tens of kilometers will yield a better understanding of wind shear. This report describes the design of an operational laser radar trailer facility to permit these measurements. This is a design evaluation report intended to aid the government in judging the capability of our design to meet the government's requirements. The system is to incorporate the high pulse repetition frequency, high power electron beam injection CO2 laser developed earlier by the General Electric Company. The system is to be assembled in a trailer to be supplied by the government and will permit hemispherical scanning with a laser beam of less than .002 degrees beamwidth.