Lidar measurement of constituents of microparticles in air by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using femtosecond terawatt laser pulses

We experimentally demonstrated remote sensing of the constituents of microparticles in air by combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and lidar, using femtosecond terawatt laser pulses. Laser pulses of $70\mathrm{fs}$ duration and $130\mathrm{mJ}$ energy generated filaments when focused at a focal length of $20\mathrm{m}$ and the pulses irradiated artificial saltwater aerosols in air at a $10\mathrm{Hz}$ pulse repetition rate. Na fluorescence was observed remotely at a distance of $16\mathrm{m}$ using a $318\mathrm{mm}$ diameter Newtonian telescope, a spectrometer, and an intensified CCD camera. These results show the possibility of remote measurement of the constituents of atmospheric particles, such as aerosols, clouds, and toxic materials, by LIBS–lidar using femtosecond terawatt laser pulses.