An investigation into the effects of limited height resolution in the differential-absorption partial-reflection experiment

Partial-reflection data are usually analyzed by assuming the partial-reflection sounder to have an infinite height resolution capability. The differences between partial-reflection differential-absorption data from sounders having finite and infinite height resolutions are investigated. It is found that these differences are predominantly a function of the variation with height of the intensity of the partial reflections. An analysis technique that takes suitable account of the limited height resolution of a sounder is proposed and demonstrated with both model and experimental data.