Bistatic imaging lidar technique for upper atmospheric studies.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric physics and remote sensing.
• Optical instrumentation and techniques.

Background:

• Traditional monostatic lidar techniques have limitations in profiling certain atmospheric layers.
• Accurate measurement of vertical density profiles in atmospheric layers, like the mesospheric sodium layer, is crucial for atmospheric research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and theoretically analyze the bistatic imaging lidar technique.
• To demonstrate the feasibility and basic performance of this novel lidar approach for atmospheric density profiling.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a bistatic lidar configuration where a laser illuminates a target spot and a telescope images it.
• Analyzing image profiles to extract information on atmospheric layer vertical structure and laser beam characteristics.
• Interpreting the imaging process as a linear filter relating layer density to the observed signal.

Main Results:

• The vertical density of atmospheric layers can be measured by imaging an illuminated spot.
• Theoretical vertical resolution is quantifiable and dependent on laser beamwidth and lidar geometry.
• Experimental data validate the feasibility and performance of the bistatic imaging lidar technique.

Conclusions:

• Bistatic imaging lidar is a fundamentally different and viable technique for atmospheric density profiling.
• The method provides quantifiable vertical resolution, enhancing atmospheric remote sensing capabilities.
• This technique offers a promising alternative for studying atmospheric phenomena like the mesospheric sodium layer.