Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a groundbreaking lidar system that reveals details of cloud structures with unprecedented clarity. This advanced laser-based remote sensing device operates at a resolution of approximately 0.4 inches (1 centimeter), making it significantly clearer than previous technologies by a factor of 100 to 1,000.
In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this lidar was utilized in conjunction with controlled experiments at Michigan Technological University. This collaboration allowed scientists to produce and analyze clouds under specific environmental conditions, enhancing understanding of cloud dynamics.
The lidar technology can detect individual photons emitted from clouds when stimulated by ultrafast laser pulses. The innovative device, described as "essentially a microscope for clouds" by study lead author Fan Yang, translates these photon signals into detailed profiles of cloud structures, shedding light on how clouds form precipitation and influence Earth's energy balance.
During their investigations, the researchers discovered that traditional models do not adequately explain cloud physics, highlighting gaps in existing scientific understanding.