Airport ceilometer CL61

meteorology

The Vaisala CL61 ceilometer is a first-of-its kind technology that combines standard ceilometer measurements, like cloud base and ceiling heights, with new depolarization capabilities. Depolarization allows for precise particle and precipitation type differentiation, enabling dramatically improved situational awareness and forecasting. CL61 is also easy to integrate, cost-effective, and backed by Vaisala’s globally trusted sensor technology and service capabilities. All this makes CL61 unique among ceilometers — an outstanding, cost-effective tool for improving decision-making and safety across several key applications. Revolutionary depolarization CL61’s unique depolarization capability provides outstanding benefits unavailable with any other ceilometer: Differentiates liquid and solid cloud and precipitating particles Detects the melting layer Allows tracking of dust, sand, and volcanic ash layers More accurately resolves mixed aerosol layers in the boundary layer Improves general understanding of atmospheric conditions To do this, CL61 uses attenuated backscatter profiles measured in two polarization directions to calculate the depolarization ratio. Its optical system allows for a high signal-to-noise ratio and enables reporting of detailed vertical profiles for the full range, up to 15.4 km (9.6 mi). Today, CL61 is widely trusted and used for some of the most innovative aviation applications, including real-time monitoring of ongoing volcanic activity and comprehensive windshear solutions.