Atmospheric backscatter vertical profiles at 9.2 and 10.6 microm: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Remote Sensing
• Lidar Technology

Background:

• Atmospheric aerosols significantly impact climate and air quality.
• Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a key remote sensing technique for probing the atmosphere.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare atmospheric aerosol backscatter coefficients at two distinct carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser wavelengths (9.25 and 10.6 micrometers).
• To evaluate the potential of coherent CO(2) lidar for atmospheric wind measurements.
• To provide data for validating aerosol backscatter model predictions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted atmospheric aerosol backscatter measurements using CO(2) lasers.
• Utilized two specific wavelengths: 9.25 and 10.6 micrometers.
• Analyzed backscatter coefficient profiles up to an altitude of 20 km.

Main Results:

• Presented comparative backscatter coefficient profiles at 9.25 and 10.6 micrometers.
• Demonstrated variations in backscatter characteristics at different CO(2) wavelengths.
• Collected data relevant to the performance of lidar systems in the atmosphere.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential data for understanding aerosol backscatter at multiple CO(2) wavelengths.
• Findings support the assessment of coherent CO(2) lidar for atmospheric profiling applications.
• The results contribute to the ongoing validation of atmospheric aerosol models.