Lidar measurements of atmospheric properties
Document ID: 366
Philbrick, C. Russell1
Lysak, Jr., Daniel B.1
O'Brien, Michael D.1
1 The Pennsylvania State University, Applied Research Laboratory, University Park, PA, U.S.A.
Naval Postgraduate School, Meteorology Department, Monterey CA, U.S.A.
Presented: Electromagnetic/Electro-Optics Performance Prediction and Products Symposium
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey California, 3-5 June 1997
Abstract
Capability of laser remote sensing for measurement of atmospheric properties has expanded during the past few years. It is possible to provide real time measurements of the profiles of most properties of the structure, dynamics and primary chemical constituents of the atmosphere. Tue temperature and density profiles can be obtained using the rotational Raman signals from the molecular profiles of the neutral constituents. Tue dynamical properties can be examined using a tracer, such as water vapor or particulate scattering, or from Doppler velocity measurements. Tue major species of the atmosphere are obtained from vibrational Raman scattered measurements or Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) techniques, the profiles of nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor and ozone can be routinely measured. Tue profiles of the primary molecular species can be used to measure the optical extinction. Meteorological profiles can be used to provide the real time measurements of several other useful parameters, such as the RF refractivity. Tue refractivity of the lower atmosphere effects the propagation paths of radars, radio communications and navigational systems. Variations in refractivity, thus local propagation conditions, can be fully described if the profiles of the molecular density and water vapor profiles are known. Laser remote sensing techniques can now provide these measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution of many useful parameters, under most environmental conditions. A semi-automated operational prototype instrument has been prepared, Lidar Atmospheric Profile Sensor (LAPS), which provides the meteorological properties and refractivity as real time data products. Examples of the measurement capability for atmospheric properties obtained with the new operational prototype (LAPS) instrument are presented. Tue LAPS lidar was tested onboard the USNS Sumner during September and October 1996 and successfully demonstrated that high quality meteorological profiles can be obtained.