Experimental assessment of a micro-pulse lidar system in comparison with reference lidar measurements for aerosol optical properties retrieval
2021
Abstract. Simultaneous observations of a polarized micro-pulse lidar (P-MPL) system and two reference European Aerosol Research Lidar Network lidars running at the Leipzig site Germany, 51.4 ∘ N, 12.4 ∘ E; 125 m a.s.l.) were performed during a comprehensive 2-month field intercomparison campaign in summer 2019. An experimental assessment regarding both the overlap (OVP) correction of the P-MPL signal profiles and the volume linear depolarization ratio (VLDR)
analysis, together with its impact on the retrieval of the aerosol optical
properties, is achieved; the experimental procedure used is also described.
The optimal lidar-specific OVP function is experimentally determined,
highlighting that the one delivered by the P-MPL manufacturer cannot be used long. Among the OVP functions examined, the averaged function between those
obtained from the comparison of the P-MPL observations with those of the
other two reference lidars seems to be the best proxy at both near- and
far-field ranges. In addition, the impact of the OVP function on the
accuracy of the retrieved profiles of the total particle backscatter
coefficient (PBC) and the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) is
examined. The VLDR profile is obtained and compared with that derived from the reference lidar, showing that it needs to be corrected by a small offset value with good accuracy. Once P-MPL measurements are optimally (OVP, VLDR) corrected, both the PBC and PLDR profiles can be accurately derived and are in good agreement with reference aerosol retrievals. Overall, as a
systematic requirement for lidar systems, an adequate OVP function
determination and VLDR testing analysis needs to be performed on a
regular basis to correct the P-MPL measurements in order to derive suitable
aerosol products. A dust event observed in Leipzig in June 2019 is used
for illustration.
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