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Abstract

Improved measurements of the atmospheric water vapor distribution are very important for a broad range of atmospheric research and monitoring applications. The needed improvements regard better temporal and spatial coverage, in particular in the vertical, and better absolute accuracy. This paper describes the design of a laser remote sensing instrument for accurate water vapor profiling of the lower troposphere, starting from the basic observational requirements. The instrument makes use of the differential absorption lidar technique (DIAL), which is still the only technique providing daytime observation capability with high resolution and high accuracy. The underlying methodology is described as well as details of the specific design approach using an all-solid-state laser system. The system properties are characterized using laboratory measurements, and results of a first atmospheric measurement are presented. A specific design goal for the DIAL system was the suitability for routine unattended operation over extended periods of time, which will finally be achieved in a commercial version of the system.