High spectral brightness UV laser for airborne wind-lidar observations

Summary form only given. Laser sources employed in light detection and ranging (lidar) systems for the quantification of atmospheric parameters such as wind velocity, temperature or trace gas concentration need to fulfill a large set of strict requirements regarding their power performance as well as their spatial and spectral properties. In particular, the generation of high-energy output pulses in the UV spectral region with excellent spectral purity is mandatory for the precise measurement of wind velocities by means of direct-detection Doppler wind lidar systems. Here, the frequency stability of the laser transmitter must be better than 5 MHz to ensure low systematic errors in wind velocity of about 1 m/s. The realization of reliable, high spectral brightness laser sources is further complicated when operating in severe vibration environments such as on ships or aircraft.