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Data Acquisition Protocol for Determining Embedded Sensitivity Functions
Published on: April 20, 2016
Sensitivity analysis of Na narrowband wind-temperature lidar systems
Applied Optics
|October 22, 2010
Summary
This study analyzes sodium (Na) narrowband wind-temperature lidar systems, detailing error sources like saturation and optical pumping. Findings suggest accurate wind and temperature measurements are possible even with system saturation, enabling continuous daytime observations.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics
- Remote sensing technologies
- Laser spectroscopy
Background:
- Sodium (Na) narrowband lidar systems are crucial for atmospheric measurements.
- Previous error analyses did not fully account for all performance-affecting factors.
- Understanding system limitations is key to improving measurement accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the performance and measurement accuracy of Na narrowband wind-temperature lidar.
- To derive comprehensive error budgets for these systems.
- To assess the impact of various physical effects on lidar performance.
Main Methods:
- Detailed performance characterization of Na narrowband wind-temperature lidar systems.
- Derivation of error budgets incorporating novel effects.
- Analysis of laser transmitter parameters (power, pulse characteristics, beam divergence).
Main Results:
- Identified and quantified error sources including power-dependent spectral characteristics, Hanle effect, saturation, and optical pumping.
- Demonstrated that system uncertainty correlates with laser transmitter properties.
- Showed that significant saturation does not preclude accurate wind and temperature measurements.
Conclusions:
- Accurate wind and temperature measurements are achievable with Na narrowband lidar, even under saturation.
- The findings open possibilities for continuous daytime atmospheric profiling.
- Further research can optimize lidar systems for enhanced diurnal measurement capabilities.
