Abstract
Differential absorption lidar measurements require coherent radiation with high peak and average power in the nanosecond time regime at wavelengths coincident with specific absorption features of the atmospheric trace species to be measured. Often these wavelengths do not coincide with readily available laser lines. Optical parametric oscillators and amplifiers can efficiently convert light from fixed frequency sources into broadly tunable laser radiation providing a generic approach to developing versatile lidar transmitters. This technology has been advanced at DLR to a stage of maturity suitable for airborne and spaceborne applications.
Keywords
- Optical Parametric Oscillator
- Pulse Repetition Frequency
- Periodically Pole Lithium Niobate
- Single Longitudinal Mode
- Injection Seeding
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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- 1.
In a similar way, two photons with the same frequency can add up to yield their double frequency (or half the wavelength). This is termed second harmonic generation . Third harmonic generation is achieved when second harmonic and fundamental are mixed. The resulting wavelength then equals a third of the original wavelength. For further reading on laser physics and nonlinear optics the reader is referred to standard textbooks; e.g. Saleh and Teich 2007.
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Fix, A. (2012). Tunable Light Sources for Lidar Applications. In: Schumann, U. (eds) Atmospheric Physics. Research Topics in Aerospace. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30183-4_31
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