Transmittance ratio constrained retrieval technique for lidar cirrus measurements

This letter describes a lidar retrieval technique that uses the transmittance ratio as a constraint to determine an average lidar ratio as well as extinction and backscatter coefficients of transparent cirrus clouds. The cloud transmittance ratio is directly obtained from two adjacent elastic lidar backscatter signals. The technique can be applied to cirrus measurements where neither the molecular scattering dominant signals above and below the cloud layer are found nor cloudfree reference profiles are available. The technique has been tested with simulated lidar signals and applied to backscatter lidar measurements at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.     

偏振-米散射激光雷达对卷云的探测

研制了一台偏振-米散射激光雷达,用于卷云和沙尘气溶胶后向散射光退偏振比的探测研究。介绍了偏振-米散射激光雷达的探测原理,叙述了偏振-米散射激光雷达的结构、技术参数、测量方法和数据处理方法。给出了偏振-米散射激光雷达对合肥市西郊上空卷云的结构、退偏振比垂直廓线以及光学厚度的典型探测结果,对这些结果进行了分析和讨论。初步探测结果表明,合肥西郊上空高度在6～10 km的卷云的退偏振比在0.2～0.5之间,该激光雷达可以对卷云进行有效的探测,能较好地反映卷云及其光学特性的时空分布。     

偏振-米散射激光雷达对卷云的探测

 研制了一台偏振-米散射激光雷达,用于卷云和沙尘气溶胶后向散射光退偏振比的探测研究。介绍了偏振-米散射激光雷达的探测原理,叙述了偏振-米散射激光雷达的结构、技术参数、测量方法和数据处理方法。给出了偏振-米散射激光雷达对合肥市西郊上空卷云的结构、退偏振比垂直廓线以及光学厚度的典型探测结果,对这些结果进行了分析和讨论。初步探测结果表明,合肥西郊上空高度在6～10 km的卷云的退偏振比在0.2～0.5之间,该激光雷达可以对卷云进行有效的探测,能较好地反映卷云及其光学特性的时空分布。     

Lidar model with parameterized multiple scattering for retrieving cloud optical properties

Cirrus clouds play an important role in the climate through their optical and microphysical properties. The problem with measuring optical properties of these clouds can be partially addressed by using lidar systems. This paper presents a new model for describing the multiple scattering contribution to the backscatter signal measured by the lidar system. The new lidar equation introduced this way, expresses the backscatter signal in terms of a polynomial function of the cloud scattering coefficient. Cloud optical properties such as the extinction coefficient and lidar ratio can be deduced from the new proposed lidar equation. Moreover, some cloud microphysical properties can also be inferred from these optical properties. The method is applied to lidar data collected by the micropulsed lidar operating at Nauru under the auspices of the US Department of Energy ARM program.     

三波长激光雷达拟合卷云的粒子形状

卷云在全球出现的概率可达30%,其散射特性在气候模式、光辐射传输和遥感领域都具有非常重要的意义。卷云的散射特性主要由冰晶粒子形状、尺度谱、折射率等因素所决定。利用355, 532和1 064 nm三个波长激光雷达数据反演卷云的后向散射系数颜色比,利用模拟计算获得不同形状冰晶粒子的卷云在上述三个波长上的后向散射系数颜色比,通过拟合得出被测卷云的冰晶粒子形状。拟合结果表明,合肥上空卷云中冰晶粒子大部分可能呈聚合物状。     

An algorithm to determine cirrus properties from analysis of multiple-scattering influence on lidar signals

A Monte Carlo-based evaluation of the multiple-scattering influence on ground-based Raman lidar measurements is presented. The lidar returns from cirrus clouds are analyzed in order to evaluate vertical profiles of the extinction and backscattering coefficients. Results show that for the typical cirrus cloud, the presence of the multiple scattering can lead to an underestimation of the extinction coefficient by as large as 200% whereas the backscattering coefficient is almost unaffected for the Raman lidar technique. An algorithm to select one or a set of phase functions which fit to the lidar data is also presented. It is an iterative procedure based on Monte Carlo scattering simulation. By comparison of the experimental value of the lidar ratio, corrected for the multiple scattering influence, and the phase function used in the Monte Carlo simulation, one can determine a suitable phase function. The validity and sensitivity of the algorithm have been demonstrated by applying it to simulated cases. The application to some real cases indicates that our procedure allows for the establishing of a practical scattering model for the cirrus clouds.     

Simple relation between lidar multiple scattering and depolarization for water clouds

An empirical relationship is derived between the multiple-scattering fraction and the linear depolarization ratio by using Monte Carlo simulations of water clouds measured by backscatter lidar. This relationship is shown to hold for clouds having a wide range of extinction coefficients, mean droplet sizes, and droplet size distribution widths. The relationship is also shown to persist for various instrument fields of view and for measurements made within broken cloud fields. The results obtained from the Monte Carlo simulations are verified by using multiple-field-of-view lidar measurements. For space-based lidars equipped to measure linear depolarization ratios, this new relationship can be used to accurately assess signal perturbations due to multiple scattering within nonprecipitating water clouds.     

Combined raman elastic-backscatter LIDAR for vertical profiling of moisture,aerosol extinction,backscatter, and LIDAR ratio

A combined Raman elastic-backscatter lidar has been developed. A XeCl excimer laser is used as the radiation source. Inelastic Raman backscatter signals are spectrally separated from the elastic signal with a filter or grating polychromator. Raman channels can be chosen to register signals from CO₂, O₂, N₂, and H₂O. Algorithms for the calculation of the water-vapor mixing ratio from the Raman signals and the particle extinction and backscatter coefficients from both elastic and inelastic backscatter signals are given. Nighttime measurements of the vertical humidity distribution up to the tropopause and of particle extinction, backscatter, and lidar ratio profiles in the boundary layer, in high-altitude water and ice clouds, and in the stratospheric aerosol layer are presented. Daytime boundary-layer measurements of moisture and particle extinction are made possible by the improved daylight suppression of the grating polychromator. Test measurements of the CO₂ mixing ratio indicate the problems for the Raman lidar technique in monitoring other trace gases than water vapor.     

CALIPSO validation using ground-based lidar in Hefei (31.9°N, 117.2°E), China

Validation measurement in collaboration with existing lidar sites is a very important part of CALIPSO validation program, lidar site in Hefei is invited to collaborate in the CALIPSO validation program. In this paper, ground-based lidar measurements in Hefei performed in coincidence with CALIPSO overpass are presented, attenuated backscatter profiles at 532 nm and 1064 nm, as well as volume depolarization ratio profile at 532 nm measured by CALIPSO are compared with the ones measured by ground-based lidar. The comparisons indicate that CALIPSO measurements are consistent with the ground-based lidar measurements. However, due to the fact that horizontal distributions of aerosols in the lower troposphere and clouds are in most cases inhomogeneous, there are some differences between two lidar measurements in the boundary layer and clouds. The aerosol layer below the semi-transparent thick cloud can be detected by the 532 nm channel of CALIPSO in daytime.     

Two-wavelength lidar inversion algorithm for determination of aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratio and its application to CALIPSO lidar measurements

A modified two-wavelength lidar inversion algorithm is proposed to aid in the retrieval of aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratios (lidar ratio) as well as backscatter coefficients and extinction color ratios from simultaneous two-wavelength elastic backscatter lidar measurements. To demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm, both the Raman method and the two-wavelength method have been applied to the ground-based measurements at 355 and 532 nm; moreover, it has been applied to the data acquired by the Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) lidar, and to the simultaneous ground-based lidar measurements carried out at Napoli (southern Italy, 40.838 °N, 14.183 °E, 118 m above sea level). Three cases of Saharan dust transport towards Europe have been considered. From the comparison, it can be found that the values of lidar ratio and backscatter coefficient retrieved by the modified two-wavelength algorithm are in good agreement with those obtained by the Raman method. Moreover the retrieved mean values of the lidar ratios and color ratios are in agreement with those reported by other authors.     

Sensitivity of depolarized lidar signals to cloud and aerosol particle properties

Measurements from depolarized lidars provide a promising method to retrieve both cloud and aerosol properties and a versatile complement to passive satellite-based sensors. For lidar observations of clouds and aerosols, multiple scattering plays an important role in the scattering process. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to investigate the sensitivity of lidar backscattering depolarization to cloud and aerosol properties. Lidar parameters are chosen to be similar to those of the upcoming space-based CALIPSO lidar. Cases are considered that consist of a single cloud or aerosol layer, as well as a case in which cirrus clouds overlay different types of aerosols. It is demonstrated that besides thermodynamic cloud phase, the depolarized lidar signal may provide additional information on ice or aerosol particle shapes. However, our results show little sensitivity to ice or aerosol particle sizes. Additionally, for the case of multiple but overlapping layers involving both clouds and aerosols, the depolarized lidar contains information that can help identify the particle properties of each layer.     

Constraints on PSC particle microphysics derived from lidar observations

Based on extensive T-matrix computations of light scattering by polydispersions of randomly oriented, rotationally symmetric nonspherical particles, we analyze existing lidar observations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) and derive several constraints on PSC particle microphysical properties. We show that sharp-edged nonspherical particles (finite circular cylinders) exhibit less variability of lidar backscattering characteristics with particle size and aspect ratio than particles with smooth surfaces (spheroids). For PSC particles significantly smaller than the wavelength, the backscatter color index and the depolarization color index β are essentially shape independent. Observations for type Ia PSCs can be reproduced by spheroids with aspect ratios larger than 1.2, oblate cylinders with diameter-to-length ratios greater than 1.6, and prolate cylinders with length-to-diameter ratios greater than 1.4. The effective equal-volume-sphere radius for type Ia PSCs is about 0.8 μm or larger. Type Ib PSCs are likely to be composed of spheres or nearly spherical particles with effective radii smaller than 0.8 μm. Observations for type II PSCs are consistent with large ice crystals (effective radius greater than 1 μm) modeled as cylinders or prolate spheroids.     

卷云短波红外辐射特性

采用离散纵标法耦合大气分子吸收,模拟计算了卷云大气的反射特性。研究了在短波波段卷云辐射性质随波长、卷云光学厚度、卷云有效尺度、云高和卷云中冰晶粒子形状等的变化关系,分析了卷云对大气红外背景辐射的影响。结果表明：在2.7 μm的水汽强吸收带上,卷云的出现明显增强了该波段的大气背景辐射,反射率随光学厚度和云高增大而增大。     

卷云短波红外辐射特性

 采用离散纵标法耦合大气分子吸收,模拟计算了卷云大气的反射特性。研究了在短波波段卷云辐射性质随波长、卷云光学厚度、卷云有效尺度、云高和卷云中冰晶粒子形状等的变化关系,分析了卷云对大气红外背景辐射的影响。结果表明：在2.7 μm的水汽强吸收带上,卷云的出现明显增强了该波段的大气背景辐射,反射率随光学厚度和云高增大而增大。     

Comparison of CALIPSO and ground-based lidar profiles over Chung-Li, Taiwan

We report the first inter-comparison of vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds derived from space (CALIPSO) and ground based lidar over Chung-Li, Taiwan. Results show that inter-comparison is closer in case of aerosols than clouds. The strength/shortcoming of the comparison has been also discussed. An iterative calculation to retrieve extinction-to-backscatter ratio (lidar ratio) by using sun-photometer and CALIPSO data is also documented. By using the mentioned method, a mean lidar ratio of 23.5±8.2 sr was found. The derived lidar ratios are lower than former studies. The possible reasons for the difference have been discussed in this paper. The discussed methodology will be helpful to reduce the uncertainty of optical parameters derived from lidar data especially near the surface where the atmosphere is inhomogeneous.     

New dust aerosol identification method for spaceborne lidar measurements

Classification is a critical step in the backscatter lidar data processing to accurately retrieve extinction and backscatter profiles of atmospheric aerosols and clouds. Different schemes, such as the probability distribution functions (PDFs) method, have been used in the cloud and aerosol classification. In this paper, we attempt to use the support vector machine (SVM) to discriminate aerosols from clouds, with a focus on dust aerosol classification in China. To demonstrate the feasibility of the SVM classifier, we chose dust storms that occurred in the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts and observed by the CALIPSO lidar in spring time 2007. The results show that the SVM can correctly identify the dust storms.     

基于回波信号仿真的瑞利-喇曼-米激光雷达研制

 在分析瑞利、喇曼和米散射仿真回波信号的基础上,研制了一台探测大气温度、气溶胶和卷云的瑞利-喇曼-米散射激光雷达,实现了一台激光雷达针对大气温度、气溶胶和卷云光学特性的多参数探测。为提高瑞利和喇曼微弱回波信号信噪比,采用了极高灵敏度的R4632光电倍增管和光子计数技术;为实现对大气气溶胶和卷云的探测,532 nm回波信号采取高低分层技术、高层通道回波衰减方法和探测器门控技术。瑞利-喇曼-米散射激光雷达的探测结果证明了利用仿真回波信号指导激光雷达设计的可行性。     

基于回波信号仿真的瑞利-喇曼-米激光雷达研制

在分析瑞利、喇曼和米散射仿真回波信号的基础上,研制了一台探测大气温度、气溶胶和卷云的瑞利-喇曼-米散射激光雷达,实现了一台激光雷达针对大气温度、气溶胶和卷云光学特性的多参数探测。为提高瑞利和喇曼微弱回波信号信噪比,采用了极高灵敏度的R4632光电倍增管和光子计数技术;为实现对大气气溶胶和卷云的探测,532 nm回波信号采取高低分层技术、高层通道回波衰减方法和探测器门控技术。瑞利-喇曼-米散射激光雷达的探测结果证明了利用仿真回波信号指导激光雷达设计的可行性。     

卷云短波反射特性的模拟计算研究

利用通用大气辐射传输(CART)软件模拟计算了0.4～2.5μm波段卷云大气反射率,分析了卷云大气的反射率随波长、光学厚度、有效尺度、卷云高度和地表类型变化情况,并模拟计算了0.55,1.38,2.75μm波段卷云大气反射率间关系。结果表明,可见光到近红外波段,卷云大气反射率随卷云光学厚度的增大而增大。可见光波段,卷云大气反射率随卷云粒子有效尺度变化很小;近红外波段,卷云大气的反射率随卷云粒子有效尺度增大而减小;近红外大气强吸收波段,卷云大气的反射率随卷云高度的增大而增大。大气窗口区卷云大气的反射率随地表类型的变化有显著的变化。通过0.55μm和2.75μm波段,1.38μm和2.75μm波段的卷云大气反射率间关系可以反演卷云光学厚度和有效尺度。     

A comparison method for spaceborne and ground-based lidar and its application to the CALIPSO lidar

A method is proposed to aid in the comparison of spaceborne lidar measurements with ground-based lidar measurements. The downward attenuated backscatter is constructed from ground-based lidar data, and then compared to the attenuated backscatter measured by spaceborne lidar. To test the accuracy of the method, sensitivity analysis is performed. This method is applied to compare the measurements between the CALIPSO lidar and ground-based lidar at Hampton University. The comparison results show this method is a feasible and reasonable approach for spaceborne lidar validation. Moreover, it can help to retrieve aerosol optical properties.