A Concept of Multi-Mode High Spectral Resolution Lidar Using Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design of a High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) using a laser that oscillates in a multi-longitudinal mode. Rayleigh and Mie scattering components are separated using a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) with the same free spectral range (FSR) as the transmitted laser. The transmitted laser light is measured as a reference signal with the same MZI. By scanning the MZI periodically with a scanning range equal to the mode spacing, we can identify the maximum Mie and the maximum Rayleigh signals using the reference signal. The cross talk due to the spectral width of each laser mode can also be estimated.