Employing Infrared CLidar Research at URI

Camera Lidar (CLidar) provides a cost-effective and portable approach to capturing high-resolution measurements of aerosol scattering and boundary layer dynamics within the lower atmosphere. The system utilizes a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera with wide-angle optics and an 808nm laser, where the camera collects images of sidescattered light emitted by the laser from high altitudes all the way down to ground level. The pixel count data from the images, along with aerosol scattering phase functions, are to be used in IDL/Python-based programs to retrieve aerosol extinction. Measurement methodology of the system involves taking measurements with the detection system located 100 m from our laser at polarization angles of 90 and 45 degrees. The data image has a capture angle of ~180 degrees, which allows all altitudes of the laser scattering in the atmosphere from ground to zenith to be imaged simultaneously. Efforts are underway to establish a dedicated CLidar lab at URI, leveraging the campus's naturally darker nighttime environment to improve signal-to-noise ratios. The 808 nm laser, relatively new to atmospheric lidar, makes URI an ideal testbed for advancing CLidar technology and expanding its applications in aerosol research.