Expanding observational capabilities of diode-laser-based lidar through shot-to-shot modification of laser pulse characteristics

Abstract. A method for expanding the observational capabilities of diode-laser-based atmospheric lidar is discussed. A straightforward test, consisting of interleaved “Long” and “Short” laser pulses, is developed to demonstrate how shot-to-shot modification of laser pulse characteristics can enhance the performance of low-power, diode-laser-based lidar and could benefit atmospheric observations. Two examples are given to demonstrate the technique. In the first, water vapor profiling is extended closer to the surface while simultaneously maintaining sufficient far-range performance. These results are verified with collocated measurements. In the second example, clouds are resolved at high vertical spatial resolution with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Details of the lidar instrument hardware and the method to combine the laser pulses of different durations are given.