A Fiber-Based Lidar System for Atmospheric Water Vapor Measurement

Abstract

The design and evaluation of a prototype fiber-based lidar system are presented. This novel system has the potential to provide autonomous water vapor measurements with high resolution and accuracy. In addition, relatively low-cost mass-production and operation of the system is feasible. This dissertation first describes the design decisions and trade-offs made in the initial design of the prototype. It then presents the initial atmospheric measurements made and compares the results to expected values based on models. A second-stage prototype system is then presented. Atmospheric measurements with the enhanced prototype are compared to modeled values, and a detailed error analysis for the enhanced version of the system prototype is given. Recommendations for further improvements are then made. After these additional enhancements, the system should meet the requirements for making global water vapor profile measurements to enhance current global climate models.