Differential method for processing scanning lidar data

摘要

The significant deficiency of the classic multiangle data-processing technique is that the accuracy of the lidar-data inversion strongly depends on whether the assumption of the horizontal stratification of the searched atmosphere is valid. The aggravating factor is that no reliable methodology exists that would allow establishment of whether the above assumption is met; even the thorough analysis of the measured lidar signals rarely allows for a reliable conclusion about the fulfillment of this requirement. In this study, a new multiangle differential data-processing method is considered, which provides the renewed interpretation of multiangle measurements. It allows for distinguishing and separating the data points from the areas where the backscatter extinction coefficient is not constant in the horizontal directions. Simulated and experimental data are presented that illustrate the principle and specifics of such a differential technique. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America