Vol. 8, issue 01-02, article # 14

Abstract:

Basic principles of the laser—detection of weak echo—signals are briefly summarised in the paper and autodyne lidars employing this way of weak signal detection while sounding the atmosphere are described. In more details considered are recent autodyne lidar modifications, namely, a parametric autodyne lidar which allows one to increase the number of optical and dynamic characteristics of an atmospheric path and a remote retroreflector retrieved from the laser—detected echo—signal due to modulation of the sounding radiation and a hybrid lidar in which the advantages of conventional cw autodyne lidars are combined with those inherent in lidars employing pulsed lasers.