The possibilities of remote analysis of atmospheric gases based on Raman scattering spectroscopy

The use of ground lidars employing the Raman scattering effect for measuring the concentration profiles of atmospheric molecular gases is discussed. The random error in gas concentration measurements due to field flucturations, shot noise, and fluctuations of the laser pulse energy is estimated. A complex index of probing efficiency is introduced which characterizes accuracy, sensitivity, spatial and temporal resolution, and range. The possibility of measuring background concentrations of CO2 at altitudes up to 10 km and CH4, NO, and SO2 at altitudes up to 1-2 km is demonstrated.