Refractive-index structure parameter in the planetary boundary layer: comparison of measurements taken with a 10.6-μm coherent lidar, a 0.9-μm scintillometer, and in situ sensors

摘要

An optical technique is described that determines the path-averaged value of a refractive-index structure parameter at 10.6 μm by use of a pulsed coherent CO_(2) lidar in direct detection and hard-target returns. The lidar measurements are compared with measurements taken by a 0.9-μm scintillometer and temperature probe (with humidity corrections). The experimental results show good agreement for C_(n)~(2) ≥ 10~(-14) m~(-2/3). With respect to practical applications the new technique permits C_(n)~(2) lidar measurements in a neutral meteorological situation to an unstably stratified convective boundary layer over long ranges (1 km or more).