A novel post-processing algorithm for Halo Doppler lidars

Vakkari, V., Manninen, A. J., O'Connor, E., Schween, J. H. and van Zyl, P. G. (2019) A novel post-processing algorithm for Halo Doppler lidars. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 12 (2). pp. 839-852. ISSN 1867-8548 doi: 10.5194/amt-12-839-2019

Abstract/Summary

Commercially available Doppler lidars have now been proven to be efficient tools for studying winds and turbulence in the planetary boundary layer. However, in many cases low signal-to-noise ratio is still a limiting factor for utilising measurements by these devices. Here, we present a novel post-processing algorithm for Halo Stream Line Doppler lidars, which enables an improvement in sensitivity of a factor of 5 or more. This algorithm is based on improving the accuracy of the instrumental noise floor and it enables longer integration times or averaging of high temporal resolution data to be used to obtain signals down to −32 dB. While this algorithm does not affect the measured radial velocity, it improves the accuracy of radial velocity uncertainty estimates and consequently the accuracy of retrieved turbulent properties. Field measurements using three different Halo Doppler lidars deployed in Finland, Greece and South Africa demonstrate how the new post-processing algorithm increases data availability for turbulent retrievals in the planetary boundary layer, improves detection of high-altitude cirrus clouds and enables the observation of elevated aerosol layers.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/83897
Identification Number/DOI	10.5194/amt-12-839-2019
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	Copernicus
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