Abstract

Spectral light from 550 to $650\text{\hspace{0.17em} nm}$ reflected from the surface of an ice cloud produced in a temperature-controlled column is measured at seven different angles between 16.7° and 29.9°. Cloud optical depth (τ) is determined from the extinction of a $670\text{\hspace{0.17em} nm}$ laser and is corrected for forward scattering using a Monte Carlo ray-tracing algorithm. Reflection measurements are compared to expectations from a plane-parallel radiative transfer model with input parameters based on the measured τ and a phase function for the observed ice crystal types. The plane-parallel radiative transfer model can be used to interpret the measured reflection for τ less than about 0.4 for this particular experiment, ideal for providing a validation data set to assist with the development of satellite bidirectional remote sensing.

© 2006 Optical Society of America