National Facility

Application, testing, and validation of the user’s custom algorithm for lidar data processing and product retrievals based on lidar measurements from PANGEA instrumentation. The possibility to include testing of the algorithm based on simulated lidar signals (e.g. from an EARLINET algorithm intercomparison exercise) is also provided. 

The service includes:

• Provision of lidar measurements from PANGEA station

• Support in the processing and analysis of raw lidar data from the PANGEA instrumentation 

• Support in the algorithm testing/validation using simulated lidar signals 

Operation of the aerosol lidar located at the PANGEA station and the user’s own lidar instrument for testing and validation purposes while following the ACTRIS protocols for lidar measurements procedures and data quality assurance and quality control.

The service includes:

• Administrative support for the deployment and installation of the user’s instrument at the PANGEA premises

• Technical support at the facility to fulfill visitor needs and constraints related to installation, deployment and operation of equipment (e.g. power connections, remote access, storage, internet network).

• Operation of the PANGEA lidar and provision of lidar products for the comparison with the lidar to be tested/validated

• Scientific support for supervision and analysis of collected data (physical or remote)

TIME CONSTRAINTS: On-site lidar intercomparison in spring & summer

The course is open to ACTRIS related people (NF technicians, Advanced master students, Ph.D. students and early career scientists) and also to external (non-ACTRIS) users.

The course offers fundamental knowledge in aerosol sampling & conditioning as well as methods for aerosol in-situ measurements of physical and chemical aerosol variables (covering the whole variety of ACTRIS aerosol in-situ variables). The course includes a visit to the National Atmospheric Observatory Kosetice (NAOK) and hands-on training for some aerosol instruments.

Detailed information can be found at:

https://www.actris-ecac.eu/summer-school-2025.php

The service includes:

• accommodation at NAOK.

• all meals.

• transportation from Prague to NAOK and back.

   

  AVAILABILITY PERIOD: One weeks, once per year

Offer of technical audits for the measurements stations and measurements set-up

Compliance with ACTRIS standards (based on CEN/TS/best practice/decades of experience):

• sampling inlets,

• sampling lines,

• aerosol conditioning (drying),

• correct operation (parameters) of microphysical instruments.

Recommendations for improvements and possible arrangements in order to comply with standard operating procedures. 

PACC is a new unit of CAIS-ECAC, but the hosting laboratory at ICPF CAS has a long lasting history in aerosol measurements and in the last 3 years being also responsible for technical audits of ACTRIS AIS NFs. 

Estimation of size resolved losses (penetration efficiency) of any parts of the sampling line.

The measurement set-up allows for:

• monodisperse testing aerosol (20-400 nm, salt solutions - usually ammonium sulphate, etc.),

• penetration estimation up to 99.99999%,

• built-in correction for the detector (CPC) inconsistency,

• automated and fully controlled measurement process.

PACC is a new unit of CAIS-ECAC, but the hosting laboratory at ICPF CAS has a long lasting history in these measurements including testing of filtration efficiency of over 250 different types of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during COVID pandemic. 

Calibration and operational checks for MPSSs.

MPSS calibration includes:

• the check of the main status parameters (flows, HV, etc.),

• check of the recommended set-up (bipolar charger, sensors - RH/T&p in aerosol and sheath flow, positive polarity HV supply, flow ratio, etc.),

• sizing check (NIST latex particles 203 nm),

• plumbing time check (up- and down-scan),

• check/adjustment of the sheath flow,

• comparison of the particle number size distribution against reference instruments (MPSS and total count CPC) on atmospheric aerosol.

Training of operators for correct set-up and operation and basic maintenance of the MPSSs. 

PACC is a new unit of CAIS-ECAC, but the hosting laboratory at ICPF CAS has a long lasting history in these measurements and is fully harmonized with WCCAP (TROPOS, Leipzig, Germany).

Calibration and operational checks for CPCs.

CPC calibration includes:

• the check of the main operational parameters (flows, temperatures, laser current, etc.),

• measurement of CPC counting efficiency (3-40 nm),

• check/adjustment of CPC cut-off diameter (10 nm for ACTRIS),

• measurement of CPC output linearity (1 000 - 50 000 #/ccm).

Training of operators for correct set-up and operation and basic maintenance of the CPCs. 

PACC is a new unit of CAIS-ECAC, but the hosting laboratory at ICPF CAS has a long lasting history in these measurements and is fully harmonized with WCCAP (TROPOS, Leipzig, Germany). 

Deployment of the Atmo-Lab or CMLab to user-defined custom location. Requires coordination between user and service provider.

TIME CONSTRAINTS: Must fit into the deployment schedule of ATMO-Lab or CMLab

Deployment duration of > 1 month

Preparation and transport time must also be considered 

AVAILABILITY PERIOD: The service is available but must fit into the deployment schedule of ATMO-Lab or CMLab

Calibration and audit of an ICOS station with ICOS mobile laboratory. 

TIME CONSTRAINTS: The service is available but must fit into the audit schedule of the ICOS mobile laboratory.

AVAILABILITY PERIOD: The service is available. Location is subject to change, due to the mobility of the ICOS mobile laboratory.