Operational Capability of Multi-Wavelength Raman Lidar systems for Continuous Thermodynamic and aerosol Profiling in the Troposphere

Continuous, high-resolution observations of thermodynamic and aerosol properties in the lower and free troposphere are essential for improving numerical weather predictions, climate monitoring, and satellite product validation. In particular, remote-sensing observational systems capable of resolving atmospheric structure and its temporal evolution are increasingly required to support high-resolution forecasting models and operational meteorological services.

Multi-wavelength Raman lidar technology provides dense vertically resolved measurements of temperature, water vapor, and aerosol optical properties, offering comprehensive insight into atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics. In addition to thermodynamic profiling, lidar systems enable aerosol characterization, cloud detection, and boundary-layer monitoring, contributing to applications in meteorology and climate studies.

We present the operational performance of our multi-wavelength Raman lidar systems, designed for continuous and unattended 24-hour tropospheric profiling. The systems combine rotational Raman channels for temperature retrieval, rotational or vibrational Raman channels for water vapor mixing ratio measurements, and elastic and depolarization channels for aerosol backscatter and extinction profiling. Sustained daytime and nighttime operation is achieved through optimized optical filtering, effective solar background suppression, automated calibration procedures, and real-time data processing.

Continuous measurement case studies demonstrate the capability to resolve diurnal boundary-layer development, moisture variability, and aerosol layer evolution with high temporal and spatial resolution. Day-to-night performance, retrieval uncertainty, and product stability are assessed, while comparisons with collocated radiosonde observations confirm the accuracy and consistency of the thermodynamic profiles throughout the troposphere.

These results demonstrate the suitability of multi-wavelength Raman lidar systems for integration into operational atmospheric monitoring networks and emerging unmanned observational infrastructures. The provision of calibrated and quality-controlled thermodynamic and aerosol products supports applications in model validation, data assimilation, satellite evaluation, and long-term atmospheric studies.