The Institute of Atmospheric Physics investigates the physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere from the Earth's surface up to the upper boundary of the middle atmosphere at about 120 km height. The department “Lidar” develops ground-based, airborne and spaceborne lidar systems. It applies them for active remote sensing of key meteorological parameters and atmospheric trace gases enabling research in weather and climate as well as increasing air traffic safety.

The department has recently developed a prototype of a Doppler Wind lidar based on a novel direct-detection design, namely the use of fringe imaging from a field-widened Michelson interferometer (project AEROLI). By design, its operation (currently in UV, 3rd harmonic of laser wavelength) may be extended to the green (2nd harmonic). This shall allow the acquisition of further atmospheric data besides the wind, i.e. the aerosol to-molecular backscatter ratio.

This capability is of high relevance for future validation of spaceborne wind and aerosol lidars as well as future evolutions of these. The proposed PhD project is centred around the optic setup of this extension to the existing lidar, its operation in a ground-based system and the analysis of the retrieved data.

A rough timetable is foreseen as this:

• Year 1: Introduction to this lidar’s theory and base lidar measurement equipment. Design of green channels extension.
• Year 2: Integration, test and operation in ground-based lidar. Iterative setup improvements. Measurements including reference instrumentation.
• Year 3: Data evaluation regarding atmospheric properties and systematic error analysis. Thesis writing. Thesis defence at local university.

We are committed to increasing the proportion of women and diverse* academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications of these groups. We also encourage applications from candidates with disabilities and other marginalized groups. With equal qualifications, persons out of these groups shall be preferred.

Please apply here: DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

Further information and current vacancies: DLR Current offers - DAAD