Noise-proof inversion of lidar equation

The reasons for instability of the lidar equation solution are investigated. An effective method of recovering the attenuation coefficient profile and transmittance of an optically thick atmosphere from the data of single-frequency laser sounding is suggested. The method enables one to obtain stable solutions of the lidar equation for sounding paths adjacent to the horizontal ones withoutthe use of absolute calibration of the lidar. A comparison is made with the known algorithms of processing. The results of experimental tests of the method when sounding fogs in the boundary atmospheric layer are described.