A Photoelectric Detector Suspended under a Balloon for Actinic Flux Measurements

J. C. H. van der Hage Institute for Marine and Atmosphoric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the, Netherlands

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W. Boot Institute for Marine and Atmosphoric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the, Netherlands

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H. van Dop Institute for Marine and Atmosphoric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the, Netherlands

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P. G. Duynkerke Institute for Marine and Atmosphoric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the, Netherlands

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J. Vilà-Guerau De Arellano Institute for Marine and Atmosphoric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the, Netherlands

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Abstract

An instrument to measure ultraviolet actinic flux in and outside clouds was constructed and calibrated. Characteristics of the instrument axe: 1) it is equipped with gallium phosphide photodiodes, 2) its isotropic directional response is almost perfect due to the special design of the optical diffusers, and 3) it is a lightweight construction (150 g) allowing the use of a balloon or a kit as an observation platform.

Ground-level observations and vertical profiles, measured with this UV photometer in clear air and in stratocumulus during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment in the Azores, confirm that the Madronich radiation transfer model is valid for clouds.

Abstract

An instrument to measure ultraviolet actinic flux in and outside clouds was constructed and calibrated. Characteristics of the instrument axe: 1) it is equipped with gallium phosphide photodiodes, 2) its isotropic directional response is almost perfect due to the special design of the optical diffusers, and 3) it is a lightweight construction (150 g) allowing the use of a balloon or a kit as an observation platform.

Ground-level observations and vertical profiles, measured with this UV photometer in clear air and in stratocumulus during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment in the Azores, confirm that the Madronich radiation transfer model is valid for clouds.

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