Experimental validation of the differential image motion lidar concept.

We have experimentally validated the concept of a differential image motion (DIM) lidar for measuring vertical profiles of the refractive-index structure characteristic C(n)(2) by building a hard-target analog of the DIM lidar and testing it against a conventional scintillometer on a 300-m horizontal path throughout a range of turbulent conditions. The test results supported the concept and confirmed that structure characteristic C(n)(2) can be accurately measured with this method.