Raman Backscatter Signals Research Articles

The preliminary measurements of water cloud microphysical properties using multiple scattering Raman lidar

Clouds play an important role in the energy balance and water cycle for the Earth-Atmosphere system, and the accurate measurement of their macro-and microphysical properties is important for understanding atmospheric physical processes, studying aerosol-cloud interactions and improving numerical model parameterization schemes. In this paper, a multiple scattering Raman lidar system is developed, which greatly simplifies the structure of the optical system and solves the complexity of the optical system in detecting the cloud characteristic parameters by adopting the dual field-of-view (FOV) technique. Based on the Quasi-Small-Angle (QSA) approximation model, the forward single or multiple scattering signals of cloud droplet particles at the bottom of the cloud layer at the dual-FOV channel and the vibrational Raman backscattering signals of nitrogen molecules are simultaneously detected. Using the correlation between the width of the forward scattering peak and the particle size of the cloud droplets, an iterative algorithm for the Raman signal is proposed for retrieving cloud parameters such as the extinction coefficient, the effective radius, and the liquid water content (LWC). To verify the feasibility of the system and retrieval algorithms, some preliminary measurements were carried out and the resulting liquid water content was compared and verified by combined observations with a co-located microwave radiometer. The experimental results show that the average deviation of the liquid water content is 0.004 g/m3, and the relative error is 20%. The system has an ability to invert cloud microphysical properties, which provides an effective method for further study of aerosol-cloud interactions.

Involvement of free-space optics in Raman distributed temperature sensing.

This Letter demonstrates the successful use of free-space optics (FSO) as a transition channel for an air segment in transmitting Raman backscattering signals for distributed temperature sensing (DTS). A barrier-free air segment link shaped by an FSO is part of the Raman-based DTS (RDTS) fiber optic transmission route. For this plan, the FSO enables delivery of the RDTS's pulse with the low-loss transmission over the air segment while also returning to the RDTS the varied Raman backscattered signals from the probing temperature variations for signal interpretation. The difference between various temperatures sensed and the referential air temperature remains nearly the same before and after passing the FSO. The viability of this technology provides a crucial basis for tackling the high expense of installing and repairing DTS cables and the challenges associated with doing so owing to topographical restrictions.

Sensing profiles of the volume scattering function at 180° using a single-photon oceanic fluorescence lidar.

A novel oceanic fluorescence lidar technique has been proposed and demonstrated for remotely sensing the volume scattering function at 180° (βf), which can be used to further retrieve the profiles of the absorption coefficient of phytoplankton (aph) at 532 nm and chlorophyll concentration (Chl). This scheme has these features. 1) The single-photon detection technology is employed to enhance the detection sensitivity to the single-photon level, enabling the oceanic lidar to obtain fluorescence backscatter profiles. 2) In terms of algorithms, the Raman backscattered signals of the water are utilized to normalize the backscattered signals of chlorophyll fluorescence, effectively minimizing the depth-dependent variation of the differential lidar attenuation coefficient (Δ K l i d a r f r). To reduce the contamination of fluorescence signals in the Raman backscatter signals, a Raman filter with a bandwidth of 6 nm was chosen. Subsequently, a perturbation method is utilized to invert the βf of the fluorescence lidar. Finally, aph and Chl profiles can be inverted based on empirical models. 3) The value of Δ K l i d a r f r used in inversion is obtained through a semi-analytic Monte Carlo simulation. According to theoretical analysis, the maximum relative error of βf for Chl ranging from 0.01 mg/m3 to 10 mg/m3 is less than 13 %. To validate this approach, a field experiment was conducted aboard the R/V Tan Kah Kee in the South China Sea from September 4th to September 5th, 2022, resulting in continuous subsurface profiles of βf, aph, and Chl. These measurements confirm the robustness and reliability of the oceanic single-photon fluorescence lidar system and the inversion algorithm.

Methane detection in the lower troposphere related to the burning of biomass and leakage in a petrochemical pole, using raman lidar technique

As emissões fugitivas, definidas como vazamentos não intencionais ou irregulares de gases e vapores, são uma importante fonte de poluentes para a atmosfera, de difícil monitoramento e controle. Essas fontes estão presentes em diferentes locais, especialmente em regiões que estão crescendo em tamanho e atividade econômica. Neste estudo, apresentamos os resultados da capacidade de detectar perfis de metano na baixa troposfera combinando correlações de recuperação de dados entre um Raman lidar rotacional / vibracional (RVRL) e um espectrômetro de cavidade ressonante (CRDS). As medidas foram realizadas nas regiões metropolitanas de São Paulo (RMSP) e Cubatão. O lidar é baseado em um laser Nd: YAG triplo com uma taxa de repetição de 20 Hz, operando no canal elástico de comprimento de onda de 355 nm e em canais inelásticos de comprimento de onda de 353 nm e 396 nm. Um protocolo de medida foi estabelecido, considerando o tempo de aquisição para o acúmulo do sinal, as condições climáticas e os dados acima e abaixo da camada limite planetária. A ideia era estabelecer procedimentos de medidas específicas para situações relacionadas a vazamento de produtos no processo de óleo cru e eventos naturais, como a queima de biomassa. Com mais de 150 horas de aquisição de dados, os resultados apontaram a possibilidade de análise em distâncias de até 1500 m com resolução inicial de 7,5 m que foi ampliada para 100 - 300 m após suavização dos dados para obtenção dos resultados finais. A concentração foi calculada a partir da razão entre o sinal de retroespalhamento Raman do metano e o sinal do nitrogênio, a 396 nm e 353 nm, respectivamente. A variação temporal das concentrações de metano foi correlacionada com os dados do CRDS, a fim de obter uma calibração de primeiro grau.

A mobile differential absorption lidar for simultaneous observations of tropospheric and stratospheric ozone over Tibet.

We developed a mobile ozone differential absorption lidar system to simultaneously measure the vertical profiles of tropospheric and stratospheric ozone from an altitude of ~5 to 50 km. The system emits four laser beams at wavelength of 289 nm, 299 nm, 308 nm and 355 nm and receives their corresponding Mie/Rayleigh backscattering return signals, and two N2 Raman return signals at 332 nm and 387 nm shifted from 308 nm and 355 nm, respectively. An assembled telescope array with four 1.25-m telescopes (effective diameter > 2 m) collects the Rayleigh and Raman backscattering signals at 308/332 and 355/387 nm. This system is currently deployed at the Yangbajing Observatory in Tibet (~4300 m elevation) and has begun observations in regular campaign mode since October 2017. The lidar results agree very well with those observed by the Aura/MLS satellite. This novel ozone lidar system operates at the highest elevation of any such system in the world. The higher elevation and larger receiver aperture of this system yield a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower statistical uncertainty.

Geometrical constraint experimental determination of Raman lidar overlap profile.

A simple experimental method to determine the overlap profile of Raman lidar is presented in this paper. Based on Mie and Raman backscattering signals and a geometrically constrained condition, the overlap profile of a Raman lidar system can be determined. Our approach simultaneously retrieves the lidar ratio of aerosols, which is one of the most important sources of uncertainty in the overlap profile determination. The results indicate that the overlap factor is significantly influenced by the lidar ratio in experimental methods. A representative case study indicates that the correction of the overlap profile obtained by this method is practical and feasible.

Normally off-gated photomultiplier tube module in photon-counting mode for use in light detection and ranging measurements

In order to increase the detected range and reduce the effect of signal-induced noise in light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurements of the high atmospheric layers, we have developed a normally off-gated photomultiplier tube module for use in the photon-counting mode. The module allows the detection of the weak backscattering signal, while at the same time rejecting the intense backscattering signal from the near range with an adjustable rejection range. The gating of our module is based on the application of positive voltage pulses on all the even dynodes of a photomultiplier head. We describe the electronic circuit design and discuss the implementation of the module. The capability of the module in rejecting intense backscattering signal from the near range was tested on our LIDAR system. The agreement between the range-corrected LIDAR signals and the standard atmospheric molecular number density up to a height of 60 km indicates a good performance by the module. Comparison between Raman and elastic backscattering signals under cloudy sky conditions indicates that the intense backscattering from near range is sufficiently suppressed and has a negligible effect on the performance of our module.

Water vapour mixing ratio profiles over Hornsund, Arctic. Intercomparison of lidar and AIRS results

Since October 2009, a ground-based Raman lidar system has been deployed to perform a regular, night-time, vertical sounding of a water vapour content in the lower and middle troposphere above Polish Polar Station at Hornsund (77.00°N, 15.55°E, 10 m a.s.l.) in the Arctic. The water vapour mixing ratio profiles were obtained for the atmosphere up to 6 km altitude, based on analysis of inelastic Raman backscattering signals from nitrogen molecules (at 387 nm) and water vapour particles (at 407 nm), calibrated with the data from a local Vaisala’s automatic meteorological station. The results obtained for winter seasons in the years 2009–2012 are in a good general agreement with the results obtained from the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) on the Aqua satellite.

Laser-based air data system for aircraft control using Raman and elastic backscatter for the measurement of temperature, density, pressure, moisture, and particle backscatter coefficient

Flight safety in all weather conditions demands exact and reliable determination of flight-critical air parameters. Air speed, temperature, density, and pressure are essential for aircraft control. Conventional air data systems can be impacted by probe failure caused by mechanical damage from hail, volcanic ash, and icing. While optical air speed measurement methods have been discussed elsewhere, in this paper, a new concept for optically measuring the air temperature, density, pressure, moisture, and particle backscatter is presented, being independent on assumptions on the atmospheric state and eliminating the drawbacks of conventional aircraft probes by providing a different measurement principle. The concept is based on a laser emitting laser pulses into the atmosphere through a window and detecting the signals backscattered from a fixed region just outside the disturbed area of the fuselage flows. With four receiver channels, different spectral portions of the backscattered light are extracted. The measurement principle of air temperature and density is based on extracting two signals out of the rotational Raman (RR) backscatter signal of air molecules. For measuring the water vapor mixing ratio-and thus the density of the moist air-a water vapor Raman channel is included. The fourth channel serves to detect the elastic backscatter signal, which is essential for extending the measurements into clouds. This channel contributes to the detection of aerosols, which is interesting for developing a future volcanic ash warning system for aircraft. Detailed and realistic optimization and performance calculations have been performed based on the parameters of a first prototype of such a measurement system. The impact and correction of systematic error sources, such as solar background at daytime and elastic signal cross talk appearing in optically dense clouds, have been investigated. The results of the simulations show the high potential of the proposed system for reliable operation in different atmospheric conditions. Based on a laser emitting pulses at a wavelength of 532 nm with 200 mJ pulse energy, the expected measurement precisions (1-σ statistical uncertainty) are <0.6 K for temperature, <0.3% for density, and <0.4% for pressure for the detection of a single laser pulse at a flight altitude of 13,000 m at daytime. The errors will be smaller during nighttime or at lower altitudes. Even in optically very dense clouds with backscatter ratios of 10,000 and RR filters suppressing the elastic backscatter by 6 orders of magnitude, total errors of <1.4 K, <0.4%, and <0.9%, are expected, respectively. The calculations show that aerospace accuracy standards will be met with even lower pulse energies of 75 mJ for pressure and 18 mJ for temperature measurements when the backscatter signals of 10 laser pulses are averaged. Using laser sources at 355 nm will lead to a further reduction of the necessary pulse energies by more than a factor of 3.

The improvement of lidar analysis through non-linear regression

Lidars are ideally placed to investigate the effects of aerosol and cloud on the climate system due to their unprecedented vertical and temporal resolution. Dozens of techniques have been developed in recent decades to retrieve the extinction and backscatter of atmospheric particulates in a variety of conditions. These methods, though often very successful, are fairly ad hoc in their construction, utilising a wide variety of approximations and assumptions that makes comparing the resulting data products with independent measurements difficult and their implementation in climate modelling virtually impossible. As with its application to satellite retrievals, the methods of non-linear regression can improve this situation by providing a mathematical framework in which the various approximations, estimates of experimental error, and any additional knowledge of the atmosphere can be clearly defined and included in a mathematically ‘optimal’ retrieval method, providing rigorously derived error estimates. In addition to making it easier for scientists outside of the lidar field to understand and utilise lidar data, it also simplifies the process of moving beyond extinction and backscatter coefficients and retrieving microphysical properties of aerosols and cloud particles. Such methods have been applied to a prototype Raman lidar system. A technique to estimate the lidar’s overlap function using an analytic model of the optical system and a simple extinction profile has been developed. This is used to calibrate the system such that a retrieval of the profile extinction and backscatter coefficients can be performed using the elastic and nitrogen Raman backscatter signals.

라만 라이다 시스템을 이용한 라이다 중첩함수 산출

The range-dependent overlap factor of a lidar system can be determined experimentally if a Raman backscatter signal by molecule is measured in addition to the usually observed elastic backscatter signal, which consists of a molecular component and a particle component. The direct determination of the overlap profile is presented and applied to a lidar measurement according to variation of telescope field-of-view and distance between telescope and transmitting laser. The retrieval of extinction coefficient by Raman method can generate high errors for heights below planetary boundary layer if the overlap effect is ignored. The overlap correction method presented here has been successfully applied to experimental data obtained in Gwangju, Korea.

Geometrical form factor determination with Raman backscattering signals

A new method is presented to determine the geometrical form factor in Raman lidar. Mie and Raman backscattering signals are acquired by L625 Raman lidar; then the aerosol backscattering ratio and atmospheric molecular density are derived. By normalizing the molecular density of Raman lidar with radiosonde measurements, the geometrical form factors of lidar are obtained. Experimental results indicate this method is feasible.

Raman backscatter distributed temperature sensor based on a self-starting passively modelocked fibre ring laser

This paper reports on intracavity Raman backscatter measurements in it passively mode locked 1300m long fibre ring laser for distributed temperature sensing. The high intracavity power leads to a relatively large and easily detected Raman backscatter signal, whereas the short pulse duration (0.7ns) promises high spatial resolution.

Determination of stratospheric aerosol microphysical properties from independent extinction and backscattering measurements with a Raman lidar

An algorithm that permits the retrieval of profiles of particle mass and surface-area concentrations in the stratospheric aerosol layer from independently measured aerosol (particle and Rayleigh) and molecule (Raman or Rayleigh) backscatter signals is developed. The determination is based on simultaneously obtained particle extinction and backscatter profiles and on relations between optical and microphysical properties found from Mie-scattering calculations for realistic stratospheric particle size distributions. The size distributions were measured with particle counters released on balloons from Laramie, Wyoming, between June 1991 and April 1994. Mass and surface-area concentrations can be retrieved with relative errors of 10-20% and 20-40%, respectively, with a laser wavelength of 355 nm and with errors of 20-30% and 30-60%, respectively, with a laser wavelength of 308 nm. Lidar measurements taken within the first three years after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 1991 are shown. Surface-area concentrations around 20 µm(2) cm(-3) and mass concentrations of 3 to 6 µg m(-3) were found until spring 1993.

Experimental observations of the expansion of an optical-field-induced ionization channel in a gas jet target.

The evolution of an optical-field-ionized channel created by a 3.5 ps KrF laser pulse in a low density nitrogen gas jet target (10[sup 17] ions cm[sup [minus]3]) has been studied using Moire deflectometry. This allowed the density profiles in the channel and its lateral expansion to be quantitatively measured for the first time. The results were reproduced well by hydrocode simulations and analytical models. In addition, structured Raman backscatter signals indicated very low longitudinal electron velocities in the rising part of the pulse, as confirmed by 2D PIC code simulations.

Independent measurement of extinction and backscatter profiles in cirrus clouds by using a combined Raman elastic-backscatter lidar

Height profiles of the extinction and the backscatter coefficients in cirrus clouds are determined independently from elastic- and inelastic- (Raman) backscatter signals. An extended error analysis is given. Examples covering the measured range of extinction-to-backscatter ratios (lidar ratios) in ice clouds are presented. Lidar ratios between 5 and 15 sr are usually found. A strong variation between 2 and 20 sr can be observed within one cloud profile. Particle extinction coefficients determined from inelastic-backscatter signals and from elastic-backscatter signals by using the Klett method are compared. The Klett solution of the extinction profile can be highly erroneous if the lidar ratio varies along the measuring range. On the other hand, simple backscatter lidars can provide reliable information about the cloud optical depth and the mean cloud lidar ratio.

Combined raman elastic-backscatter LIDAR for vertical profiling of moisture, aerosol extinction, backscatter, and LIDAR ratio

A combined Raman elastic-backscatter lidar has been developed. A XeCl excimer laser is used as the radiation source. Inelastic Raman backscatter signals are spectrally separated from the elastic signal with a filter or grating polychromator. Raman channels can be chosen to register signals from CO2, O2, N2, and H2O. Algorithms for the calculation of the water-vapor mixing ratio from the Raman signals and the particle extinction and backscatter coefficients from both elastic and inelastic backscatter signals are given. Nighttime measurements of the vertical humidity distribution up to the tropopause and of particle extinction, backscatter, and lidar ratio profiles in the boundary layer, in high-altitude water and ice clouds, and in the stratospheric aerosol layer are presented. Daytime boundary-layer measurements of moisture and particle extinction are made possible by the improved daylight suppression of the grating polychromator. Test measurements of the CO2 mixing ratio indicate the problems for the Raman lidar technique in monitoring other trace gases than water vapor.

Active–passive airborne ocean color measurement 1: Instrumentation

A multichannel lidar fluorosensor spectrometer has been configured to function concurrently as a passive spectroradiometer for measuring upwelling ocean color radiance. To accommodate passive detection, the NASA airborne oceanographic lidar (AOL) fluorosensor was modified to electronically integrate, digitize, and record the solar-induced direct current output available from the photomultiplier detectors of the lidar spectrometer along with the previously reported laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and water Raman backscatter signals. In addition to a detailed theoretical analysis of each subsystem, exhaustive test and evaluation experiments were conducted with the dual-mode active and passive AOL system using (a) ground test targets and a calibration hemisphere and (b) field trials flown in the New York Bight region of the Atlantic Ocean. It is shown that very little interaction occurs between the active and passive modes. The justification for a dual-mode active-passive instrument is briefly presented.

Lidar measurements of rotational Raman and double scattering

The analysis of unusually strong Raman backscattering signals from clouds shows that such signals cannot be merely related to filter on-line leakage. Theoretical calculations of Raman double scattering in an atmosphere with high optical depth values are presented, and it is shown that the Raman multiple scattering effect is not negligible. The results of the calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data.