IR differential-absorption lidars for ecological monitoring of the environment

A review of studies on lidar sensing of the environment by the method of IR differential absorption is presented. The differential-absorption method is described and its various applications are considered. A comparison of this method with other methods of lidar sensing showed that a differential-absorption lidar successfully supplements a Raman lidar. The basic parameters are presented for IR lidars fabricated recently by various research groups. The outlook for the IR lidar sensing of the atmosphere is discussed.