Chinese team develops world’s most sensitive wind-detecting laser

The suitcase-sized device can be used to make high-speed trains faster, monitor air pollution, and improve aviation, researchers say. China is a leader in lidar research, despite being a latecomer to the field – but competition is fierce. — SCMP

Chinese researchers say they have developed the world’s most advanced laser for wind detection, which could be used to monitor air pollution, predict the weather, and make high-speed trains faster.

The suitcase-sized device can detect complex changes in wind in unprecedented detail by using lidar methods. Lidar, or light detection and ranging, works by detecting the relative movement of air in the atmosphere with a laser.