AIRBORNE FREQUENCY COMB FOR GREENHOUSE GAS MONITORING

Kurzfassung

In order to measure the two most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4 by means of the integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar technique, stringent requirements with respect to the frequency stability of the transmitter need to be fulfilled In order to measure and optimize the frequency stability of the on-line and off-line wavelengths of an airborne IPDA lidar, a compact optical frequency comb (OFC) was for the first time employed and its performance characterized on board of an aircraft. This compact and rugged device could successfully been operated under tough in-flight conditions. Previously, such measurements were only possible in the laboratory.