Design and Implementation of a Near-Range Telescope for ACTRIS Lidar Systems Compliant with NF Performance Criteria

The NR channel can provide reliable daytime retrievals, with even better agreement observed during nighttime operation (results shown during the conference). This low-cost near-range telescope has demonstrated added value in the context of ACTRIS-compliant lidar systems. Beyond enabling reliable aerosol retrievals in the lower planetary boundary layer, it proved instrumental in assessing the full-overlap height of the far-range channels. The data obtained from the NR channel provided critical insight into the incomplete overlap regions of the far-range, enabling improved operation of the system.