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Ann. Geophys., 23, 1645-1658, 2005
www.ann-geophys.net/23/1645/2005/
© European Geosciences Union 2005
The Bonn University lidar at the Esrange: technical description and capabilities for atmospheric research
U. Blum1,* and K. H. Fricke1
1Physikalisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Nussallee 12, 53115 Bonn, Germany
*now at: Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt, Postboks 25, N-2027 Kjeller, Norway
Abstract. The Bonn University operates a Rayleigh/Mie/Raman backscatter
lidar at the Esrange near the Swedish city of Kiruna, north of the
Arctic circle. The lidar system covers the atmosphere from about
4 km to 100 km altitude and it is capable of measuring aerosols in
the tropo-, strato-, and mesosphere, as well as of determining
temperature profiles in the aerosol-free part of the atmosphere
(i.e. above 30-km altitude). Density tuned fixed-spacer etalons
provide daylight capability and thus increased sensitivity to
noctilucent clouds during polar summer. Polarisation measurements
allow liquid and solid phase discrimination for aerosol and cloud
particles in the tropo- and stratosphere. The derived temperature
profiles can be used for the detection and analysis of atmospheric
gravity waves. Although several lidar experiments are situated in
polar latitudes, a comprehensive instrument which covers the
troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, is daylight capable,
and observes temperature profiles, as well as aerosols, is
exceptional. In this article a technical description, in particular,
of the optical configuration of this experiment is given, as well as
an overview of achievable geophysical parameters. The potential for
geophysical analyses is shown.
Keywords. Atmospheric composition and structure (Instruments
and techniques; Aerosols and particles; Pressure, density
and temperature) – Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics
(Middle atmosphere dynamics)
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