Abstract

An experimental study is underway to determine the range of variability of atmospheric aerosol backscatter over the Pasadena, CA region, using a coherent CO₂ lidar at several wavelengths between 9.25 μm and and 10.6 μm. Measurements of vertical profiles of aerosol backscatter have been conducted thus far at the 10P(20) and 9P(20) lines, at 10.6 μm and 9.5 μm, respectively, using a calibration technique which includes measurement of the return signal from a hard target (flame-sprayed aluminum) positioned at a range of 2 km from the lidar. Operation of the lidar at the 9R(22) line, at 9.26 μm, in order to gather comparative aerosol backscatter profile data at 9.26 μm and 10.6 μm, is in progress.

© 1983 Optical Society of America