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Atmospheric temperature measurements made by rotational Raman scattering
Applied Optics
|September 8, 2010
Summary
This study measures atmospheric temperature using rotational Raman scattering, offering precise, transmission-insensitive data from 3 to 20 km. The new method calibrates using spectroscopy, showing excellent agreement with radiosondes.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Spectroscopy
- Laser Remote Sensing
Background:
- Accurate atmospheric temperature profiles are crucial for weather and climate research.
- Previous methods often relied on radiosondes for calibration, introducing potential inaccuracies.
- Rotational Raman scattering offers a promising remote sensing technique for atmospheric profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for measuring atmospheric temperature profiles using rotational Raman scattering.
- To improve the accuracy and independence of atmospheric temperature measurements.
- To demonstrate the capability for continuous, high-resolution temperature profiling over extended periods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rotational Raman scattering of light from a Nd:YAG laser's second harmonic.
- Employed a ratio of light passed by two spectrally distinct filters for transmission-insensitivity.
- Calibrated the system using only spectroscopic measurements, eliminating reliance on radiosonde normalization.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured atmospheric temperature at altitudes from 3 to 20 km.
- Achieved excellent agreement between the lidar-derived temperature profiles and radiosonde data.
- Demonstrated the method's robustness against variations in atmospheric transmission.
Conclusions:
- The rotational Raman scattering method provides accurate and reliable atmospheric temperature measurements.
- This technique offers significant advantages for continuous, high-resolution temperature profiling, especially for studying dynamic atmospheric phenomena like tropopause folds.
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