Optimization of spectral measurements in the lidar sounding of atmospheric gases by means of the differential-absorption method

The problem of optimizing spectral measurements of gas concentration using the differential-absorption method is examined on the basis of analytical and numerical-simulation studies. A method for choosing the optimal frequency for sounding the gas composition of the atmosphere is proposed, and it is shown that the use of this optimal frequency makes possible a significant improvement in the lidar sounding range. The proposed approach is illustrated by the lidar sounding of atmospheric water vapor at wavelengths of 590.15, 694.38, and 724.37 nm.