NASA and the international atmospheric science community are committed to the careful and protracted study of the problems associated with global changes in the ecosystem [1-3]. Remote sounding of the atmosphere from space is a nesessary part of this effort. Active remote sensors, those using lasers as a source of probing radiation in light detection and ranging (lidar) measurements, will play a central role in atmospheric sounding [4]. Lidar instruments enable measurements not possible by passive measurement systems and significantly improve upon the accuracy and resolution of passive measurements. The development of these instruments depends, in turn, on the identification and characterization of new materials, on the incorporation of these materials into laser systems and on the development of innovative measurement strategies. The technological products of this research are versatile and can be utilized by other NASA programs. For example, lidar instruments can also be used for doppler lidar measurements of windshear.
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