Lidar differential absorption and scattering technique: theory.

The results of theoretical investigations of the differential absorption technique for sounding atmospheric water vapor are described in this paper. The sources of errors and their effect on the results of interpreting the sounding data are analyzed. The mathematical problems for inverting the lidar returns are considered.

Laser sounding of atmospheric humidity: experiment.

This paper presents the results of investigations of atmospheric humidity profiles by a lidar on the basis of a tunable ruby laser. The lidar parameters are given, and the technique of lidar measurements of water vapor content in the atmosphere using the differential absorption technique is described. The results of reconstitution of humidity profiles up to 17-km altitudes are given based on results of laser sounding.