Analytic model utilizing the complex ABCD method for range dependency of a monostatic coherent lidar.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric physics
• Optical engineering
• Signal processing

Background:

• Coherent Doppler lidar systems are crucial for atmospheric wind velocity measurements.
• Accurate modeling is essential to understand lidar performance limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an analytic model for monostatic coherent lidar performance.
• To analyze range and frequency dependencies in wind velocity measurements.
• To investigate the impact of optical system parameters on lidar signal spectra.

Main Methods:

• Developed an analytic model for the signal power spectrum of a coherent lidar.
• Incorporated contributions from the optical system and time-dependent optical fields.
• Simulated a coherent Doppler wind lidar with a Gaussian beam transmitted through a telescope.

Main Results:

• The model quantifies the range and frequency dependency of lidar measurements.
• Analyzed the influence of aperture size, beam waist position, and pulse duration.
• Identified key factors affecting the signal power spectrum.

Conclusions:

• The presented analytic model provides insights into coherent Doppler lidar performance.
• Understanding these dependencies is vital for optimizing atmospheric wind measurements.
• The model serves as a tool for system design and error analysis.