Lidar depolarization from multiple scattering in marine stratus clouds.

The generation of ruby lidar depolarization from multiple scattering in marine stratus clouds has been examined systematically from a field site on the southern California coast. Investigated were the effects on the linear depolarization ratio δ of lidar receiver field of view (FOV), elevation angle, and laser alignment error. An approximately linear increase in maximum δ values was observed with increasing receiver FOV, and the importance of accurate transmitter/receiver alignment has been demonstrated. An elevation angle dependence to the δ values was observed as a consequence of the vertical inhomogeneity of water cloud content above cloud base. Time histories of the depolarization characteristics of dissipating stratus clouds revealed significant variability in δ values due to cloud composition variations. Employing a 1-mrad transmiter FOV, maximum δ values of 0.21 and 0.33 were observed with 1- and 3-mrad receiver FOVs, respectively.

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