Airborne Phase Doppler Interferometry for Cloud Microphysical Measurements

Authors: Chuang, P. Y.¹; Saw, E. W.²; Small, J. D.¹; Shaw, R. A.²; Sipperley, C. M.³; Payne, G. A.³; Bachalo, W. D.³

Source: Aerosol Science and Technology, Volume 42, Number 8, August 2008 , pp. 685-703(19)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

Conducting accurate cloud microphysical measurements from airborne platforms poses a number of challenges. The technique of phase Doppler interferometry (PDI) confers numerous advantages relative to traditional light-scattering techniques for measurement of the cloud drop size distribution, and, in addition, yields drop velocity information. Here, we describe PDI for the purposes of aiding atmospheric scientists in understanding the technique fundamentals, advantages, and limitations in measuring cloud microphysical properties. The performance of the Artium Flight PDI, an instrument specifically designed for airborne cloud measurements, is studied. Drop size distributions, liquid water content, and velocity distributions are compared with those measured by other airborne instruments.

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Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02786820802232956

Affiliations: 1: Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA 2: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA 3: Artium Technologies Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA

Publication date: 2008-08-01

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