Abstract
Abstract. Particle depolarization ratio retrieved from lidar measurements are commonly used for aerosol-typing studies, microphysical inversion, or mass concentration retrievals. The particle depolarization ratio is one of the primary parameters that can differentiate several major aerosol components but only if the measurements are accurate enough. The accuracy related to the retrieval of particle depolarization ratios is the driving factor for assessing and improving the uncertainties of the depolarization products. This paper presents different depolarization calibration procedures used to improve the quality of the depolarization data. The results illustrate a significant improvement of the depolarization lidar products for all the selected lidar stations that have implemented depolarization calibration procedures. The calibrated volume and particle depolarization profiles at 532 nm show values that fall within a range that is generally accepted in the literature.
Highlights
Uncertainties related to the influence of anthropogenic activities on the Earth’s energy budget and climate change have led to a real interest regarding the aerosols direct and indirect radiative effects (Stocker et al, 2013)
Particle depolarization ratio retrieved from lidar measurements are commonly used for aerosol-typing studies, microphysical inversion, or mass concentration retrievals
The results illustrate a significant improvement of the depolarization lidar products for all the selected lidar stations that have implemented depolarization calibration procedures
Summary
Uncertainties related to the influence of anthropogenic activities on the Earth’s energy budget and climate change have led to a real interest regarding the aerosols direct and indirect radiative effects (Stocker et al, 2013). Measurements of vertically resolved aerosol optical properties (as the ones taken by lidar systems) try to reduce these uncertainties. These systems are laser-based instruments able to provide quantitative information on aerosol layering and their properties (Measures et al, 1992). The principle is based on the detection of backscattered light that results from the interaction of the emitted laser light with the atmospheric constituents. After the emitted light interacts with atmospheric constituents, the backscattered light is collected by a telescope and directed to the wavelength separation unit (WSU – named the receiving optics unit for this study), polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and photomultipliers (PMTs). The receiving optics (mirrors, lenses and dichroic filters), the PBS and the PMTs will be treated as distinct units, since the effects of each unit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
