Abstract: A filter for a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR is provided. The filter comprises an etalon including a free spectral range substantially the same as a difference between a first laser wavelength and a second laser wavelength, the etalon further including a finesse providing substantial background noise suppression and substantially constant transmission of the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength over a predetermined range of wavelengths, and a first filter having a first filter bandpass selected to include the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope for transmitting a transmission beam and receiving a return signal is provided. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses operable to shape the transmission beam into an annular beam having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a secondary mirror operable to deflect the annular beam into a deflected annular transmission beam, and a primary mirror that includes an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope, a filter, and a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR are provided, with methods to use the same. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses, a secondary mirror, a primary mirror including an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal. The filter includes an etalon and a first filter. The micropulse differential absorption LIDAR includes first and second laser signals, a laser transmission beam selection switch, a first laser return signal switch, and a toggle timer.

Abstract: A lidar system and method to enable simultaneous accurate and high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperature, wind, and water vapor. The technology employs a laser (101), a telescope (110), an acousto-optic modulator (105) or an electro-optic modulator (205), a Thulium-doped fiber amplifier (206), and an optical circulator (108) which projects a laser signal into the atmosphere toward a phenomenon to be studied. The laser is reflected or backscattered by the atmospheric phenomena and retrieved by the telescope (110), where the laser is processed by a signal sampler and processor (114) for analysis.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope for transmitting a transmission beam and receiving a return signal is provided. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses operable to shape the transmission beam into an annular beam having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a secondary mirror operable to deflect the annular beam into a deflected annular transmission beam, and a primary mirror that includes an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal.

Abstract: A filter for a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR is provided. The filter comprises an etalon including a free spectral range substantially the same as a difference between a first laser wavelength and a second laser wavelength, the etalon further including a finesse providing substantial background noise suppression and substantially constant transmission of the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength over a predetermined range of wavelengths, and a first filter having a first filter bandpass selected to include the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope, a filter, and a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR are provided, with methods to use the same. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses, a secondary mirror, a primary mirror including an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal. The filter includes an etalon and a first filter. The micropulse differential absorption LIDAR includes first and second laser signals, a laser transmission beam selection switch, a first laser return signal switch, and a toggle timer.

Abstract: A lidar system and method to enable simultaneous accurate and high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperature, wind, and water vapor. The technology employs a laser (101), a telescope (110), an acousto-optic modulator (105) or an electro-optic modulator (205), a Thulium-doped fiber amplifier (206), and an optical circulator (108) which projects a laser signal into the atmosphere toward a phenomenon to be studied. The laser is reflected or backscattered by the atmospheric phenomena and retrieved by the telescope (110), where the laser is processed by a signal sampler and processor (114) for analysis.