Application of the lamp mapping technique for overlap function for Raman lidar systems

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Optical Remote Sensing
• Instrument Calibration

Background:

• Lidar water vapor mixing ratio (WVMR) measurements traditionally require overlap correction using external instruments like radiosondes.
• Accurate overlap correction is crucial for reliable WVMR data retrieval from lidar systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel experimental method, the lamp mapping technique (LMT), for determining lidar overlap functions.
• To assess the performance of LMT-derived overlap functions for individual lidar channels and for WVMR retrieval.

Main Methods:

• The study employs the lamp mapping technique (LMT), which utilizes a scanned halogen lamp and the lidar's optical and detection system.
• LMT involves synchronizing the lamp scan with the Raman lidar telescope and detection system.

Main Results:

• The research presents overlap functions determined using LMT for individual lidar channels.
• LMT-determined WVMR overlap functions were obtained and compared with traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The LMT provides a viable, instrument-based method for determining lidar overlap functions.
• LMT-derived WVMR overlap functions demonstrate good agreement with radiosonde-based corrections, with deviations within 5%.