Cloud parameters from infrared lidar used singly and in combination with radar and infrared radiometer

A CO₂ lidar operating at wavelength of about λ=10.6 μm differs in some respects from most other lidars, which operate at wavelengths an order of magnitude smaller. One important difference is that ice and water particles absorb strongly at CO₂ lidar wavelengths, whereas scattering dominates at the shorter wavelengths. The authors are developing cloud-sensing techniques that rely on the unique characteristics of a coherent CO₂ Doppler lidar