A ground-based atmospheric lidar system that utilizes a holographic optical
telescope and scanner has been developed and successfully operated to obta
in atmospheric backscatter profiles. The Prototype Holographic Atmospheric
Scanner for Environmental Remote Sensing is built around a volume phase ref
lection holographic optical element (HOE). This single optical element both
directs and collimates the outgoing laser beam as well as collects, focuse
s, and filters the atmospheric laser backscatter while offering significant
weight savings over existing telescope mirror technology. Conical scanning
is accomplished as the HOE rotates on a turntable sweeping the 1.2 mrad fi
eld of view around a 42 degrees cone. During this technology demonstration,
atmospheric aerosol and cloud return signals have been received in both st
ationary and scanning modes. The success of this program has led to the fur
ther development of this technology for integration into airborne and event
ually satellite Earth-observing scanning lidar telescopes.