Experimental assessment of the lidar polarizing sensitivity

Abstract. Particle depolarization ratio retrieved from lidar measurements are commonly used for aerosol typing studies, microphysical inversion, or mass concentration retrievals. The particle depolarization ratio is one of the primary parameters that can differentiate several major aerosol components, but only if the measurements are accurate enough. The uncertainties related to the retrieval of particle depolarization ratios are the main factor in determining the accuracy of the derived parameters in such studies. This paper presents an extended analysis of different depolarization calibration procedures, in order to reduce the related uncertainties. The calibration procedures are specific to each lidar system of the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network – EARLINET with polarising capabilities. The results illustrate a significant improvement of the depolarization lidar products for all the selected lidar stations. The calibrated volume and particle depolarization profiles at 532 nm show values that agree with the theory for all selected atmospheric constituents (several aerosol species, ice particles and molecules in the aerosol free regions).