Low-cost cw CO2 lidar system for low-level wind shear detection

A CW CO2 lidar sytem developed to determine the feasibility of using such a system for detecting and measuring low-level wind shear is discussed. The system was constructed from off-the-shelf components at a relatively low cost. Results of preliminary testing of the system are included. Wind shear measurements have been achieved but the capability of the system to measure large-scale microburst-generated wind shear has not been determined at this time.