Lidar Overlap Function Determination Using the Raman Lidar Signals

Abstract

The determination of vertical distribution of optical properties of clouds and aerosols using the lidar system is affected by the incomplete overlap between the field of view of transmitter i.e. laser beam & the receiver in the near‐field range. Thus, the study of vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties in the lower atmosphere is erroneous without the correction of lidar overlap function. Here we have analysed the effect of overlap using a simple technique proposed by Ansmann and Wandinger to determine overlap function. We have determined the overlap factor for 5 different days of June 2016 and then calculated the mean overlap profile and determined the relative deviation of each day with respect to mean overlap factor. Results reveal that the complete overlap was achieved beyond 300 meters.