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Sigma - Micro Pulse Lidar (MPL)
Micro Pulse LiDAR (MPL) is a sophisticated laser remote sensing system that provides continuous, unattended monitoring of the profiles and optical properties of clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere. Based on the same principle as radar, MPL transmits laser pulses that scatter (reflect) off particles in the atmosphere. MPL then measures the intensity of backscattered light using photon-counting detectors and transforms the signal into atmospheric-information in real time.
Sigma Space has been manufacturing MPL systems since 2004 providing high-resolution aerosol profiling, optically robust and resistant to misalignments, low-maintenance and optimized laser, continuous and autonomous data collection all the while being operational within minutes. Those who can benefit from MPL technology are meteorologists, atmospheric and environmental researchers and regulators, airports and air traffic controllers, and wind farmers. MPL Technology can enhance weather and air quality forecasts, improve models and emissions estimates by determining the extent of manmade and natural aerosols and measuring PBL height and trends, optimize aviation safety through enhanced cloud and volcanic ash profiling as well as help improve wind pattern forecasts for site evaluation and management.
MPL Applications
Micro Pulse LiDAR product family from Sigma Space offers the most versatile laser remote sensors for aerosol and cloud profiling. Equipped with the most sensitive single photon-counting technology, these LiDARs are in use worldwide for aerosol research, planetary boundary layer observation, air-quality monitoring and forecasting. Available options such as 2-axis scanners, weather stations and GIS offer a complete measurement set for a single station or a regional network. With unmatched signal performance, real time data products are displayed at the instrument level, or viewable remotely using an internet browser across a network. Our customers include NASA, US Department of Energy, US EPA, meteorological offices and academic organizations.
MPL can provide fast, reliable, high-resolution Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) measurements through effective aerosol tracking. Since aerosols accumulate in the PBL, the layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth`s surface, MPL`s are ideally suited for PBL profiling across applications. Solar heating of the planet`s surface readily warms the air in the PBL, driving the weather. As a result, measuring PBL height and approximate volume enhances weather prediction models.
The right tool for the job: For PBL measurement, MPL and MiniMPL leave ceilometers in the dust, giving customers superior signal-to-noise ratio, fast nd high resolution reports pf PBL structure, and reliable PBL measurements. MPL can allow you to see PBL top through low cloud decks, no need for extended averaging periods or spatial filtering requirement and reliable enough to measure PBL from day to night and from hazy summer months to clear winter conditions.