Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

11:18
A Practical Guide on Coupling a Scanning Mobility Sizer and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer SMPS-ICPMS
Published on: July 11, 2017
11.2K
High-resolution profiling of aerosol absorption coefficients using dual-polarization lidar and a PSO-GPR machine
Optics Express
|February 20, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using dual-polarization lidar to retrieve vertical profiles of the aerosol absorption coefficient (AAC). This approach improves climate modeling by providing accurate AAC data, crucial for understanding aerosol radiative forcing.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Climate Science
Background:
- Quantifying aerosol radiative forcing is vital for climate impact assessment.
- Reliable vertical profiles of aerosol absorption coefficient (AAC) are limited due to observational constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new method for retrieving vertical AAC profiles using dual-polarization lidar.
- To validate the accuracy and robustness of the developed retrieval approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing dual-polarization lidar measurements at 355 nm and 532 nm.
- Integrating a particle swarm optimization-Gaussian process regression (PSO-GPR) scheme.
- Calibrating with in-situ absorption observations from Northwest China.
Main Results:
- Lidar-retrieved AAC near the surface showed good agreement with Aethalometer measurements.
- Vertical AAC profiles demonstrated a strong correlation (0.74) with tethered balloon observations.
- The PSO-GPR approach proved robust for AAC profile retrieval.
Conclusions:
- The study presents an effective remote sensing method for high-resolution AAC profiles.
- This technique enhances the evaluation of aerosol radiative impacts.
- Improved AAC profile data offers new opportunities for climate research.

