Laser Heterodyne Radiometry for Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Gases

Abstract

A passive remote sensor for full atmospheric columns of O2, CO2 and CH4 has been developed that is based on laser heterodyne radiometry, (LHR), using telecommunications-style diode lasers operating at wavelengths between 1278 and 1650 nm as local oscillators. Spectral resolution is 0.0067 cm-1 and will soon be improved two-fold. Retrievals require including line narrow effects, particularly for O2.