Daytime observation technology of a lidar using an atomic filter

Based on the dual-wavelength high altitude detecting lidar we developed, daytime observation capability was realized in its sodium fluorescence channel by employing a Na (sodium) atomic filter and other relevant technologies. Because of the very narrow passband and very high out-of-band suppression of the Na atomic filter, the lidar echo at an 80–110 km altitude can be obtained even at noontime when background light from the sun is very strong. The capability for a 24-h continuous observation of the lidar system has been demonstrated by the preliminary observation result. This development makes the constant detection and investigation of high altitude atmosphere over the country possible.