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An inexpensive active optical remote sensing instrument for assessing aerosol distributions
John E Barnes1, Nimmi C P Sharma
1NOAA/Mauna Loa Observatory, 1437 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 196720, USA. John.E.Barnes@noaa.gov
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|March 27, 2012
Summary
A new technique called CLidar (Charge Coupled Device Camera Light Detection and Ranging) uses a laser and camera to measure atmospheric aerosol profiles. This inexpensive method maps aerosol distributions in the lower atmosphere over time, aiding air quality studies.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Environmental Science
- Optical Remote Sensing
Background:
- Air quality studies require detailed data on atmospheric aerosol distributions across altitudes and time.
- Existing profiling techniques often face challenges in measuring aerosols within the boundary layer and lower troposphere.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe an inexpensive, ground-based optical remote sensing technique for assessing aerosol distributions.
- To provide a method for obtaining aerosol altitude profiles over time, particularly in the lower atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- The CLidar (Charge Coupled Device Camera Light Detection and Ranging) technique utilizes a low-power laser to transmit light vertically.
- A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera with wide-angle optics images the scattered light from the laser beam.
- The system is optimized for measurements within the atmospheric boundary layer and lower troposphere, currently limited to nighttime operation.
Main Results:
- CLidar provides aerosol altitude profiles over time, mapping aerosol distributions.
- The technique is effective for low-altitude measurements where most aerosols are concentrated.
- Instrumentation is portable and adaptable for deployment at various locations of interest.
Conclusions:
- CLidar offers a simple, inexpensive, and implementable method for profiling atmospheric aerosols.
- The technique is valuable for air quality research, contributing to health impact and source/sink analyses.
- Further application details are provided for researchers interested in utilizing CLidar for aerosol profiling.
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