Status
Status
Operational
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
Aircraft
Recent Missions
Point(s) of Contact
Measurement Details
Range of Measurement
In situ
Integration Details
Weight
35.00 kg
Size
Length
71.00 cm
Width
37.00 cm
Height
17.00 cm
Power:
(maximum )
1800.00 W
2000.00 W
Location
CPI Sensor – RH wing hatch, Data System – shelf in RH spearpod (WB-57)
Additional Information
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
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
Document
TRL
9
Website
Publications
Baker, B., and R.P. Lawson (2006), In situ observations of the microphysical properties of wave, cirrus and anvil clouds. Part 1: Wave clouds, J. Atmos. Sci., 63, 3160-3185.
Lawson, R.P., et al. (2006), In Situ observations of the microphysical properties of wave, cirrus and anvil clouds. Part II: Cirrus Clouds, J. Atmos. Sci., 63, 3186-3203.
Lawson, R.P., et al. (2006), Microphysical and optical properties of ice crystals at South Pole Station, J. Appl. Meteor., 45, 1505-1524.
Lawson, R.P., et al. (2001), An overview of microphysical properties of Arctic clouds observed in May and July during FIRE.ACE, J. Geophys. Res., 106, 989-15.
