Abstract

A simple numerical algorithm to calculate optical extinction from cloud lidar data is presented. A two-component atmosphere consisting of "clear air" and cloud particulates is assumed. "Clear air" consists of either molecules only or a mix of molecules and the atmospheric aerosol. If the lidar data can be used to determine the cloud optical thickness then the method provides an estimate of an assumed cloud-atmospheric constant. The optical thickness is used as a constraint on the numerical solution and provides the additional information necessary to calculate the cloud-atmospheric constant. Conversely, the method may also be applied to obtain cloud extinction and optical thickness from lidar cloud soundings provided the cloud-atmospheric constant is known.

© 1994 Optical Society of America