Cloud-droplet-size distribution from lidar multiple-scattering measurements

A method for calculating droplet-size distribution in atmospheric clouds is presented, based on measurement of laser backscattering and multiple scattering from water clouds. The lidar uses a Nd:YAG laser that emits short pulses at a moderate repetition rate. The backscattering, which is composed mainly of single scattering, is measured with a detector pointing along the laser beam. The multiple scattering, which is mainly double scattering, is measured with a second detector, pointing at a specified angle to the laser beam. The domain of scattering angles that contribute to the doublescattering signal increases monotonically as the pulse penetrates the cloud. The water droplets within the probed volume are assumed to have a constant size distribution. Hence, from the double-scatteringmeasured signal as a function of penetration depth within the cloud, the double-scattering phase function of the scattering volume is derived. Inverting the phase function results in a cloud-droplet-size distribution in the form of a log-normal function.