Data quality assurance for atmospheric probing and modeling: characterization of Belgrade Raman lidar station

Using the lidar (Light Detection And Ranging) technique atmospheric probing and observations of atmospheric aerosol optical properties may be conducted remotely with high spatial and temporal resolution. As an EARLINET (the European Aerosol Research LIdar Network) joining lidar station, Belgrade Raman lidar system has provided aerosol profiling data for potential atmospheric and climatological studies as well as assessment of planetary boundary layer evolution and conducting dedicated measurements during airborne hazard. A comprehensive quality-assurance program and self-testing check-up tools have been developed to examine the performance and temporal stability of a lidar system. The capabilities of the Belgrade Raman lidar system, as well as its experimental characterization related to zero bin assessment, analog to photon-counting signal delay, Rayleigh-fit and telecover tests to evaluate system accuracy, are presented in this study.