Abstract

Eyesafe 2-μm Holmium lasers are of topical interest for potential remote-sensing applications. Such systems are regarded as promising for at least Doppler wind sensing^1,2 and differential absorption lidar water-vapor profiling.³ The Doppler lidar concept is receiving attention in the context of deployment in earth orbit of a large (i.e., multi-Joule) system capable of mapping atmospheric wind fields on a global scale. Presently, the first-generation concept of such an instrument is centered around a pulsed CO₂ system because these lasers are of a greater level of maturity and because current comparative assessments conclude that overall performance efficiency of coherent Doppler lidars in earth orbit is not strongly wavelength dependent.⁴ For next-generation lidar instruments, a diode-pumped, solid-state transmitter operating at eyesafe wavelengths potentially offers benefits of extended lifetime and lower mass.

© 1991 Optical Society of America