MIDDLE-ATMOSPHERIC DOPPLER LIDAR USING AN IODINE-VAPOR EDGE FILTER

We present both modeled capabilities of and experimental data from a D oppler lidar for the stratosphere and the lower mesosphere that uses t he edge of a molecular iodine filter in a differential measurement to provide frequency discrimination. Modeled results show a capability fo r wind measurements to an altitude of 55 km with 1.5-km resolution in 30 min. Experimentally, wind-vector components from 18 to 45 km are me asured every 20 min. The molecular-vapor filter provides great advanta ges with regard to system stability; operation in less-than-optimum we ather conditions, and simplicity of data analysis. (C) 1997 Optical So ciety of America.