Classification and Characteristics of Coherent Lidar Systems

Abstract

Coherent Lidars have almost become synonymous with CO2 laser systems with heterodyne detection. However, any lidar system operating close to the diffraction limit could be called "coherent". Conventional lidars based on e.g. Ruby or YAG laser are not in this category. In contrast, most systems for wind measurements are based on a diffraction-limited performance. The measuring range of coherent lidars is often in the near field, which may extend up to 100 km. The range resolution can then be determinated by focusing.