Simultaneous three‐frequency Na lidar measurements of radial wind and temperature in the mesopause region

Using a uniquely constructed acoustooptic frequency shifter to provide three different excitation frequencies, ν a =−652 MHz and ν c =188 MHz along with ν s =−172 MHz at the spectral slope, the Colorado State Na temperature lidar has been up‐graded to permit simultaneous measurements of radial wind and temperature in the mesopause region. Initial observations were made at Ft. Collins, CO (40.6°N, 105°W) for three nights in September, 1993 (a total of 20.2 h and 1,204 profiles). With a power‐aperture product of 0.06 W‐m², the lidar measured RMS uncertainties with spatial and temporal resolutions of 1.5 km and 6 min are assessed to be 1.6 K and 3.1 m/s at the peak of the Na layer. Observational results for the nights of Sep 3, 4 and 21 (UT) that contain new thermal and dynamical information of the mesopause are presented to show the potential of simultaneous wind/temperature measurements.