Automation of Dobson Spectrophotometer(No. 124) for Ozone Measurements

Global Environment Laboratory at Yonsei University in Seoul (37.57 degrees N, 126.95 degrees E) has carried out the ozone layer monitoring program in the framework of the Global Ozone Observing System of the World Meteorlogical Organization (WMO/GAW/GO3OS Station No. 252) since May of 1984. The daily measurements of total ozone and the vertical distribution of ozone amount have been made with the Dobson Spectrophotometer (No. 124) on the roof of the Science Building on Yonsei campus. From 2004 through 2006, major parts of the manual operations are automated in measuring total ozone amount and vertical ozone profile through Umkehr method, and calibrating instrument by standard lamp tests with new hardware and software including step motor, rotary encoder, controller, and visual display. This system takes full advantage of Windows interface and information technology to realize adaptability to the latest Windows PC and flexible data processing system. This automatic system also utilizes card slot of desktop personal computer to control various types of boards in the driving unit for operating Dobson spectrophotometer and testing devices. Thus, by automating most of the manual work both in instrument operation and in data processing, subjective human errors and individual differences are eliminated. It is therefore found that the ozone data quality has been distinctly upgraded after automation of the Dobson instrument.