Analysis of laser differential absorption remote sensing using diffuse reflection from the earth

A computer model analysis of an infrared laser differential absorption remote sensing technique (DARS) is presented. An infrared laser source operating at two or more wavelengths and a heterodyne detection system are considered to be mounted on either an aircraft or satellite platform to monitor the differential absorption between the laser source and the earth surface. The capability of this technique for measuring gas concentrations in the lower 5 kilometers of the atmosphere is emphasized. Numerical results are presented simulating measurements of vertical burdens of CO, NO, CH4, CO2, and O3. These results indicate that measurements of expected concentrations of these gases can be made with greater than 80% accuracy using realistic laser powers and system parameters.