Potential for coherent Doppler wind velocity lidar using neodymium lasers

Existing techniques for the frequency stabilization of Nd: YAG lasers operating at 1.06 μm, and the high-gain amplification of radiation at that wavelength, make possible the construction of a coherent Doppler wind velocity lidar using Nd:YAG. Velocity accuracy and range resolution are better at 1.06 μm than at 10.6 μm at the same level of the SNR. Backscatter from the atmosphere at 1.06 μm is greater than that at 10.6 μm by ~2 orders of magnitude, but the quantum-limited noise is higher by 100 also. Near-field attenuation and turbulent effects are more severe at 1.06 μm. In some configurations and environments, the 1.06-μm wavelength may be the better choice, and there may be technological advantages favoring the use of solid-state lasers in satellite systems.