Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:27
Measurement of Aerosols Optical Thickness of the Atmosphere using the GLOBE Handheld Sun Photometer
Published on: May 29, 2019
Airborne high spectral resolution lidar for profiling aerosol optical properties
Johnathan W Hair1, Chris A Hostetler, Anthony L Cook
1National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, 23681, USA. johnathan.w.hair@nasa.gov
Applied Optics
|December 24, 2008
Summary
A new airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) provides accurate aerosol measurements. Its internal calibration system ensures reliable data without external atmospheric target calibration.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Aerosol Science
Background:
- Aerosols significantly impact climate and air quality.
- Accurate measurement of aerosol properties is crucial for climate modeling.
- Existing lidar systems often require external calibration, introducing uncertainties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a compact, robust airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL).
- To detail the instrument's design, internal radiometric calibration, and accuracy.
- To present data products and initial findings from field deployments.
Main Methods:
- Development and deployment of a novel airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL).
- Implementation of an internal radiometric calibration system for autonomous accuracy.
- Validation through extensive flight hours across multiple atmospheric field campaigns.
Main Results:
- The HSRL system successfully operated for over 650 flight hours across nine field experiments.
- Internal calibration demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, eliminating reliance on vicarious calibration.
- The system provided valuable measurements of aerosol backscatter, extinction, and depolarization at two wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- The developed airborne HSRL is a highly robust and accurate instrument for aerosol profiling.
- Internal radiometric calibration is a key advancement for reliable lidar measurements.
- The system's performance in field missions validates its utility for atmospheric research.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
01:13Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to study the composition of materials. It is widely employed in chemistry, materials science, forensic science, and other fields where sample characterization is required. ATR has several advantages over traditional transmission IR spectroscopy, including the requirement of little to no sample preparation and the ability to analyze a wide range of samples.
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
01:20Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...
01:02Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview
Ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible or UV–Vis) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that investigates the interaction between matter and UV–Vis light within the electromagnetic spectrum. This method is widely used for its versatility, simplicity, and relatively quick data acquisition, making it valuable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. When UV–Vis radiation passes through a material, molecules absorb light depending on the energy required for electronic transitions. As a result...