Cloud Particle Imager

Status

Status
Operational
Operated By
PI
Replaced By

The CPI records high-resolution (2.3 micron pixel size) digital images of particles that pass through the sample volume at speeds up to 200 m/s. In older models, CCD camera flashes up to 75 frames per second (fps), potentially imaging more than 25 particles per frame. More recent camera upgrades capable of bringing frame rate to nearly 500 fps. Real time image processing crops particle images from the full frame, eliminating blank space and compressing data by >1000:1. CPI is designed for ummanned use, with AI parameters to optimize performance without supervision.

Instrument Type
Measurements
Recent Missions
(P-3 Orion - WFF)
;
(WB-57 - JSC)
;
(WB-57 - JSC)
;
(DC-8 - AFRC)
;
(Global Hawk - AFRC)
;
(WB-57 - JSC)
Point(s) of Contact
(Prev PI),
(Prev PI),
(POC; PI)
Range of Measurement
In situ
Weight
35.00 kg
Size
71.00 cm (L) x 37.00 cm (W) x 17.00 cm (H)
Power:
1800.00 W
(maximum
2000.00 W
)
Location
CPI Sensor – RH wing hatch, Data System – shelf in RH spearpod (WB-57)
Notes
CPI Obtains high resolution cloud particle images using a CCD camera triggered by a pulsed laser.
Imaging:
• 1K x 1K image area
• 2.3 μm/ pixel size resolution
• 8 bit grey scale (256 levels)
• 400 frames per second max rate
• Max Particle rate > 1000 particles per second
• 25 ns laser flash freezes motion of particle
• Data system only saves image area with particles
• Image data are displayed in real time
Sampling:
• Dual beam PDS triggers laser when particle is in focus
• Maximum PDS sample volume is (.23)2 x 10,000 x .707 = 372 cc/sec at V =
100 m/sec
Mission-Specific Writeups
TRL
9