Accuracy assessments of cloud droplet size retrievals from polarized reflectance measurements by the research scanning polarimeter

We present an algorithm for the retrieval of cloud droplet size distribution parameters (effective radius and variance) from the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) measurements. The RSP is an airborne prototype for the Aerosol Polarimetery Sensor (APS), which was on-board of the NASA Glory satellite. This instrument measures both polarized and total reflectance in 9 spectral channels with central wavelengths ranging from 410 to 2260 nm. The cloud droplet size retrievals use the polarized reflectance in the scattering angle range between 135° and 165°, where they exhibit the sharply defined structure known as the rain- or cloud-bow. The shape of the rainbow is determined mainly by the single scattering properties of cloud particles. This significantly simplifies both forward modeling and inversions, while also substantially reducing uncertainties caused by the aerosol loading and possible presence of undetected clouds nearby. In this study we present the accuracy evaluation of our algorithm based on the results of sensitivity tests performed using realistic simulated cloud radiation fields.

► We present an algorithm for retrieval of cloud droplet size from polarized rainbow.
► Polarized rainbow shape is determined by single scattering of cloud droplets.
► The algorithm is designed for the airborne Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP).
► RSP measures polarized and total reflectance at 9 wavelengths between 410 to 2260 nm.
► We evaluate the algorithm using tests on simulated cloud radiation fields.