MicroPulse DIAL (MPD) – A diode-laser-based lidar architecture for quantitative atmospheric profiling

Nevertheless, it also requires solar background suppression techniques such as narrow-field-ofview receivers with an ultra-narrow bandpass to observe individual photons backscattered from the atmosphere. We discuss this diode-laser-based lidar architecture's latest generation and analyze how it addresses a national-scale profiling network's need to provide continuous thermodynamic observations. The work presented focuses on general architecture changes that pertain to both the water vapor and the temperature profiling capabilities of the MicroPulse DIAL (MPD).

However, the specific subcomponent testing and instrument validation presented are for the water vapor measurements only. A fiber-coupled seed laser transmitter optimization is performed and shown to meet all of the requirements for the DIAL technique. Further improvements - such as a fiber- coupled near-range receiver, the ability to perform quality control via automatic receiver scanning, advanced multichannel scalar capabilities, and advanced processing techniques - are discussed.

These new developments increase narrowband DIAL technology readiness and are shown to allow higher-quality water vapor measurements closer to the surface via preliminary intercomparisons within the MPD network itself and with radiosondes.