The effect of random and deterministic pulse-shape uncertainties on the accuracy of the Fourier deconvolution algorithm for improving the resolution of long-pulse lidars is investigated theoretically and by computer simulations. Various cases of pulse uncertainties are considered including those that are typical of Doppler lidars. It is shown that the retrieval error is a consequence of two main effects. The first effect consists of a shift up or down (depending on the sign of the uncertainty integral area) of the lidar profile as a whole, proportionally to the ratio of the pulse uncertainty area to the true pulse area. The second effect consists of additional amplitude and phase distortions of the spectrum of the small-scale inhomogeneities of the lidar profile. The results obtained allow us to predict the order and the character of the possible distortions and to choose ways to reduce or prevent them.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

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