Simulation of Aerosol Lidar using a System-theoretical Approach

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Tim Poguntke; Dr. Christoph Ritter
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584227066

The SALSA project develops a system-theoretical modeling framework for the analysis and simulation of aerosol lidars. Its objective is to establish and validate a physically consistent model of optical signal propagation that operates independently of specific lidar architectures and represents both incoherent (pulsed) and coherent (FMCW) modulation schemes. This enables a quantitative assessment of measurement sensitivity and wavelength-dependent information content, particularly under the challenging conditions of continuous daylight in the Arctic. The first work package develops a system-theoretical channel model that describes relevant optical propagation processes in the atmosphere using established scattering theories. This model is validated through simulations of the Koldewey Aerosol Raman Lidar in Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen, and comparison with measured lidar data. In the second work package, the channel model is extended to realistically represent daylight conditions and to allow a comparative evaluation of coherent and incoherent modulation schemes. A third work package investigates the potential information gain from additional laser wavelengths for existing multi-wavelength lidar systems. The results will be provided as conceptual recommendations for future instrument developments. SALSA thus contributes to the methodological advancement of aerosol remote sensing and is entirely theoretical and simulation-based. The project enables a systematic investigation of aerosol lidar architectures and establishes a methodological foundation for future developments as well as for subsequent studies of measurement principles for retrieving microphysical aerosol properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants