CO2 coherent differential absorption lidar

Experimental chemical detection and radiometric results are presented from recent coherent differential absorption lidar (DIAL) ground tests conducted over four kilometer horizontal path at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Heterodyne data was collected simultaneously with the Laser Airborne Remote Sensing direct detection DIAL sensor for comparison. A brief system description of the bistatic coherent DIAL system is presented. These experiments illustrate some of the technological challenges encountered in the implementation of a wavelength-agile coherent chemical detection system.