Abstract

A solution of the single-scattering lidar equation requires a relationship between the coefficients of backscatter β(r) and extinction σ(r) to be of the formβ(r) = C₂σ(r)^k, where C₂ and k are parameters independent of range r. The sensitivity of a particular lidar inversion algorithm to uncertainties in C₂ and k is investigated using a measured lidar return which indicated the atmosphere to be essentially horizontally homogeneous during a reduced visibility condition. Starting with the measured power returned as a function of range, extinction coefficients and average visibilities are calculated using the inversion algorithm for different values of C₂ and k and compared with those inferred from the lidar return using the slope method. The calculated extinction coefficients (and visibilities) were found to be extremely sensitive to uncertainties in C₂. This questions the usefulness of the lidar inversion algorithm for aerosol extinction applications when the air mass characteristics change along the measurement path.

© 1985 Optical Society of America

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