Optical techniques for counting ice particles in mixed-phase clouds
Abstract
Two optical devices for the detection and counting of ice particles in clouds in real time from aircraft are described. In the University of Washington automatic ice particle counter (UW-IPC), a linearly polarized He-Ne laser illuminates any particle passing through the sample port. The main beam is absorbed in a light trap. Light with forward-scattered angles of 0.5-3.5 deg passes through an interference filter and is detected by a photomultiplier tube. In the Mee Industries Model 120 ice crystal counter (Mee-IPC), linearly polarized infrared light is incident on the particles passing through the sample pipe. A solid-state device detects the infrared light scattered at 90 deg after the light is passed through a polarizing filter set. The results of calibration tests and a limited number of field observations using these devices are presented.
- Publication:
-
Atmospheric Technology
- Pub Date:
- May 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976AtmTe.......25T
- Keywords:
-
- Clouds (Meteorology);
- Ice;
- Meteorological Instruments;
- Optical Measuring Instruments;
- Airborne Equipment;
- Calibrating;
- Drops (Liquids);
- Laser Applications;
- Real Time Operation;
- Solid State Devices