Ultraviolet high-spectral resolution lidar with polarization detection for accurate measurement of optical properties of aerosol and clouds

Abstract

To investigate the correlation among the meteorological events relating with global warming issue, development of accurate atmospheric observation systems of the troposphere is required. An ultraviolet high-spectral-resolution (HSR) lidar with polarization detection has been developed using narrowband Fabry-Perot interference filters. Ultraviolet wavelength is used in the system for eye-safety characteristics and high accuracy measurements compared with visible lidar systems. Various meteorological phenomena have been observed by the HSR lidar system for 10 months. By simultaneous measurement of depolarization ratio with extinction coefficient and lidar ratio, the system could separated and classify spherical and non-spherical aerosol, water clouds and ice clouds. Probability distribution of lidar ratio of aerosol and clouds has also been measured. The UV-HSR lidar system in combination with depolarization ratio measurement has shown a potential for classifying qualitative and quantitative information of aerosol and clouds and useful for analyzing the influences on the heat balance of the earth.