Wang Yong-Qian

Retrieval algorithm for microwave surface emissivities based on multi-source, remote-sensing data: An assessment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau plays a very important role in studying severe weather in China and around the globe because of its unique characteristics. Moreover, the surface emissivities of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are also important for retrieving surface and atmospheric parameters. In the current study, a retrieval algorithm was developed to retrieve the surface emissivities of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The developed algorithm was derived from the radiative transfer model and was first validated using simulated data from a one-dimensional microwave simulator. The simulated results show good precision. Then, the surface emissivities of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were retrieved using brightness temperatures from the advanced microwave-scanning radiometer and atmospheric profile data from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer. Finally, the features of the time and space distribution of the retrieved results were analyzed. In terms of spatial characteristics, a spatial distribution consistency was found between the retrieved results and surface coverage types of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In terms of time characteristics, the changes in emissivity, which were within 0.01 for every day, were not evident within a one-month time scale. In addition, surface emissivities are sensitive to rainfall. The reasonability of the retrieved results indicates that the algorithm is feasible. A time-series surface emissivity database on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can be built using the developed algorithm, and then other surface or atmospheric parameters would have high retrieval precision to support related geological research on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Physical statistical algorithm for precipitable water vapor inversion on land surface based on multi-source remotely sensed data

Water vapor plays a crucial role in atmospheric processes that act over a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, from global climate to micrometeorology. The determination of water vapor distribution in the atmosphere and its changing pattern is very important. Although atmospheric scientists have developed a variety of means to measure precipitable water vapor (PWV) using remote sensing data that have been widely used, there are some limitations in using one kind satellite measurements for PWV retrieval over land. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed for retrieving PWV over land by combining different kinds of remote sensing data and it would work well under the cloud weather conditions. The PWV retrieval algorithm based on near infrared data is more suitable to clear sky conditions with high precision. The 23.5 GHz microwave remote sensing data is sensitive to water vapor and powerful in cloud-covered areas because of its longer wavelengths that permit viewing into and through the atmosphere. Therefore, the PWV retrieval results from near infrared data and the indices combined by microwave bands remote sensing data which are sensitive to water vapor will be regressed to generate the equation for PWV retrieval under cloud covered areas. The algorithm developed in this paper has the potential to detect PWV under all weather conditions and makes an excellent complement to PWV retrieved by near infrared data. Different types of surface exert different depolarization effects on surface emissions, which would increase the complexity of the algorithm. In this paper, MODIS surface classification data was used to consider this influence. Compared with the GPS results, the root mean square error of our algorithm is 8 mm for cloud covered area. Regional consistency was found between the results from MODIS and our algorithm. Our algorithm can yield reasonable results on the surfaces covered by cloud where MODIS cannot be used to retrieve PWV.

Photoluminescence and Microstructure of the Erbium-Doped Hydrogenated Amorphous SiOx (0 < x < 2)

The hydrogenated amorphous SiOx films (a-SiOx:H) with various oxygen contents have been prepared using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The films were implanted with erbium and annealed by rapid thermal annealing. An intense photoluminescence (PL) of Er at 1.54 μm has been observed at 77 K and at room temperature. The PL intensity depends strongly on both the oxygen content of the film and the rapid thermal annealing temperature and reaches its maximum if the ratio of O/Si in the film is approximately equal to 1.0 at 77 K and to 1.76 at room temperature. The microstructure of the film also has strong influences on the PL intensity. The PL intensity at 250 K is slightly more than a half of that at 15 K. It means that the temperature quenching effect of the PL intensity is very weak.

1.5μm luminescence characteristic of erbium in B, P doped a-SiO:H films*

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon films co-doped with oxygen (O), boron (B) and phosphorus (P) were fabricated using PECVD technique. The erbium (Er) implanted samples were annealed in a N-2 ambient by rapid thermal annealing. Strong photoluminescence (PL) spectra of these samples were observed at room temperature. The incorporation of O, B and P could not only enhance the PL intensity but also the thermal annealing temperature of the strongest PL intensity. It seems that the incorporation of B or P can decrease the grain boundary potential barriers thus leading to an easier movement of carriers and a stronger PL intensity. Temperature dependence of PL indicated the thermal quenching of Er-doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon is very weak.