Measuring Atmospheric Extinction and Backscatter with a High Spectral Resolution Lidar.
Abstract
The University of Wisconsin High Spectral Resolution Lindar (HSRL) is designed to make unambiguous, remote measurements of extinction cross sections and backscatter phase functions. This investigation was planned to observe the dependence of aerosol scattering properties on relative humidity. A series of observations were performed. These data showed the expected increase of scattering cross section with increases in relative humidity. In addition the measurements showed that the backscatter phase function appeared to be constant while the total scattering cross section varied. This was a puzzling result. Mean particle size in an aerosol haze should increase with relative humidity; Mie scattering calculations predict that the backscatter phase function is a function of the mean size. A careful analysis of the measurement confidence limits indicated that we could not eliminate calibration uncertainties were unacceptable. At this point we changed the focus of our effort from measurements to instrument improvements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180622
Entities
People
- Christian J. Grund
- Edwin W. Eloranta
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison