High-Resolution Doppler Lidar for Boundary Layer and Cloud Research

TLDR

Higher performance is required to advance boundary‑layer simulation models and enable high‑resolution turbulent flux measurements. The study develops a high‑resolution Doppler lidar to deliver superior spatial, temporal, and velocity resolution and evaluates its technology, capabilities, and field performance. HRDL uses an eye‑safe near‑IR solid‑state laser, advanced signal processing, and a high‑speed attitude‑compensating scanner to achieve 30‑m range resolution and about 10 cm s⁻¹ velocity precision in marine and continental boundary layers. HRDL measures vertical velocities, fine near‑surface wind profiles, turbulence kinetic energy, and momentum flux, and proves useful for cloud studies, demonstrating effective field performance.

Abstract

The high-resolution Doppler lidar (HRDL) was developed to provide higher spatial, temporal, and velocity resolution and more reliable performance than was previously obtainable with CO2-laser-based technology. The improved performance is needed to support continued advancement of boundary layer simulation models and to facilitate high-resolution turbulent flux measurements. HRDL combines a unique, eye-safe, near-IR-wavelength, solid-state laser transmitter with advanced signal processing and a high-speed scanner to achieve 30-m range resolution and a velocity precision of ∼10 cm s−1 under a variety of marine and continental boundary layer conditions, depending on atmospheric and operating conditions. An attitude-compensating scanner has been developed to facilitate shipboard marine boundary layer observations. Vertical velocities, fine details of the wind profile near the surface, turbulence kinetic energy profiles, and momentum flux are measurable with HRDL. The system is also useful for cloud studies. The HRDL technology, capabilities, and field performance are discussed.