IR Intercomparison Campaign of lidar systems at RADO-Bucharest

The Centre for Aerosol Remote Sensing (CARS) is currently conducting an extended infrared lidar testing and intercomparison campaign at RADO-Bucharest, Măgurele, Romania, from 17 September to 10 October 2026.

The main objective of the campaign is to evaluate, characterize, and optimize infrared detection systems for aerosol lidar measurements at 1064 nm, with a particular focus on the performance of different detector and acquisition configurations under common atmospheric conditions. Reliable infrared measurements are essential for multi-wavelength aerosol characterization and for retrieving information related to aerosol particle size. 

The campaign brings together 24 participants from seven institutions, with lidar systems from the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics - INOE 2000 (ALPHA and RALI, Romania), the University of Warsaw (EMORAL, Poland), the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (PollyXT, Germany), the National Research Council - Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis (M3DUSA, Italy), and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (POLIS 1064, Germany). Representatives from Raymetrics and Licel are also taking part, providing technical support during the exchange and installation of infrared modules across the participating systems. A key milestone of the campaign was the rapid deployment of the participating equipment, with the systems installed in less than 24 hours after their arrival at the observatory.

The expected outcomes of the campaign include the evaluation and optimization of the participating infrared detection systems, supporting further improvements in aerosol remote sensing capabilities and international collaboration in lidar research.