Lidar implementation of pump-and-probe technique for remote sensing estimates of photosynthesis efficiency in plants

Relying on the relationship between the parameters of photosynthesis and variable fluorescence from in vivo chlorophyll-a, the lidar implementation of pump-and-probe technique can provide an effective means for remote monitoring of ongoing photosynthesis in higher plants and terrestrial vegetation. The basic idea of the pump-and-probe technique is the use of an actinic (pump) light flash to cause for a short period the change in functional state of photosynthetic apparatus. A prototype of the pump-and-probe lidar-fluorosensor has been developed. The laboratory experiments on optimization of laser excitation are described. The problems of future development of the pump-and-probe lidar technique are discussed