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A Multimodal Wide-Field Fourier-Transform Raman Microscope
Published on: December 30, 2025
Dual-field-of-view Raman lidar measurements for the retrieval of cloud microphysical properties
Jörg Schmidt1, Ulla Wandinger, Aleksey Malinka
1Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany. joerg.schmidt@tropos.de
Applied Optics
|May 15, 2013
Summary
Dual-field-of-view Raman lidar measurements are a novel method for retrieving cloud properties. This technique, using the MARTHA lidar, provides detailed cloud microphysical data for aerosol-cloud interaction studies.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Cloud Physics
Background:
- Accurate retrieval of cloud microphysical properties is crucial for understanding climate processes.
- Raman lidar technology offers potential for detailed atmospheric profiling.
- Previous methods lacked simultaneous measurement of forward and backscattered light for cloud property retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel dual-field-of-view Raman lidar technique for retrieving cloud microphysical properties.
- To demonstrate the capability of the Multiwavelength Atmospheric Raman Lidar for Temperature, Humidity, and Aerosol Profiling (MARTHA) for cloud property retrieval.
- To assess the potential of this method for studying the aerosol indirect effect.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing dual-field-of-view Raman lidar to detect forward-scattered light from cloud droplets and inelastically backscattered N2 molecules.
- Developing and applying a forward iterative algorithm to process lidar signals.
- Validating derived liquid-water path with microwave radiometer observations.
Main Results:
- Successful retrieval of cloud microphysical properties, including effective cloud droplet radius, extinction coefficient, and liquid-water content.
- Demonstration of the MARTHA lidar's capability to provide vertical profiles of these properties.
- Validation of liquid-water path measurements against independent microwave radiometer data.
Conclusions:
- Dual-field-of-view Raman lidar is a viable and effective method for retrieving cloud microphysical properties.
- The MARTHA lidar system is well-suited for comprehensive atmospheric studies, including aerosol-cloud interactions.
- This technique enhances our ability to investigate the aerosol indirect effect through detailed cloud property analysis.
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