Measurements of Aerosol properties in the MABL Using Polarization Nephelometry

The long-term goal is to develop and evaluate polarization sensitive instrumentation to improve the measurement and understanding of the properties of aerosols in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL). Aerosol components include sea salt containing aerosols, sulfates, continental aerosols, diesel and fire smoke. Accurate characterization of the aerosols in the MABL on a real-time basis requires data acquisition equipment and rapid interpretation of remotely sensed data. Light scattering techniques provide the most practical and rapid in situ means to characterize these aerosols. However, traditional light scattering measurements do not use all the information available in the light scattered from the aerosol particles, specifically polarization data and only LIDAR currently provides for long range probing of the atmosphere. Angle dependent measurements of the Mueller scattering matrix provide the most complete optical description of the aerosols. Once obtained, the detailed knowledge of aerosol optical properties enables accurate prediction of light propagation in the MABL. These predictions can determine the effects of aerosols on visibility and the propagation of coherent and incoherent light. The information can also be used to evaluate the design and operation of polarizing optics to maximize imaging or detection system performance.