Use of laser radar in atmospheric investigations (review)

The results of experimental investigations of the atmosphere by laser radar methods are reviewed. A discussion is given of the use of various types of scattering of laser radiation in the atmosphere in the determination of standard meteorological parameters, composition, and pollution of the atmosphere. The results are reported of laser sounding of tropospheric, stratospheric, and mesospheric clouds and of cosmic gas. The possibility of using lasers on board weather satellites is considered.