Lidar sounding of turbulence based on the backscatter enhancement effect

Abstract

A simple derivation of the equations describing the backscatter enhancement (BSE) effect of waves on small inhomogeneities in a randomly inhomogeneous medium is presented. The BSE effect is considered in a locally isotropic turbulent atmosphere. It is shown that a system of remote sounding of atmospheric turbulence can be constructed on the basis of BSE measurements. The scheme of a lidar for BSE measurement, along with routine lidar sounding, is proposed. With the use of models it is shown that regions of increased turbulence can be detected with such a lidar.