The atmospheric lidar instrument (ATLID)

Abstract The paper describes the design and performances of the Atmospheric Lidar instrument. ATLID is a backscatter lidar and a candidate for a future Polar Mission of ESA (beyond ENVISAT-1). The instrument uses a solid-state Nd-Yag laser (1.06 μm wavelength) and a 0.8 m diameter telescope. A linear scanning (+/− 40°) ensures the required swathwidth (1400 Km). The selected concept consists of a lightweight scanning telescope associated to a contra-rotative flywheel for torque compensation.