CO <sub>2</sub> laser based on nontraditional transitions for the ultra-long range lidar
It is proposed to use CO <sub>2</sub> lasers with oscillation based on the so-called nontraditional transitions for enhancement of the long-range action of lidars. Vibrational states for nontraditional transitions are in agreement with high-lying energy levels. Their thermal population densities are lower. Therefore, the laser oscillation on nontraditional transitions in atmosphere is attenuated to a far smaller degree which is eqwivalent to the increase in the lidar long-range action.