DELTA-K LIDAR ACOUSTIC SOUNDING OF THE ATMOSPHERE

A new remote sensing method for temperature sounding of the atmosphere is put forward. The method is based on the DELTAk-lidar technique, an d it detects the modulation of atmospheric lidar backscatter induced b y an acoustic wave transmitted collinearly with the lidar. The method is examined as a possible means to extend the range and versatility of atmospheric temperature profiling beyond the limits of the radioacous tic sounding method. Performance estimates are carried out which sugge st that the method may be feasible for atmospheric temperature profili ng to ranges approaching 10 km.