Application of the method of decomposition of lidar signal-to-noise ratio to the assessment of laser instruments for gaseous pollution detection

A general methodology for rating both performance and potential of lidar systems used for detection of atmospheric trace constituents including pollutants and gas leaks is developed. By individually examining and decomposing the contribution of both lidar system parameters and atmospheric operating conditions on signal-to-noise-ratio, a generalized figure of merit, V , for lidar quality is introduced and evolved. Computer simulations based on V and atmospheric parameters are carried out to determine achievable lidar performance. A simple design procedure is outlined for determination of lidar instrumentation parameters to ensure the best monitoring efficiency for a given set of initial parameters/requirements, including operation range, minimum detectable gas concentration, and so on. PACS 42.68.Wt; 42.79.Qx; 92.60.Sz; 42.62.Fi