Design study for a coherent polarization-diversity radar

Design concepts for a coherent polarization-diversity radar are presented. The desired capability is the measurement of microphysical parameters of hydrometeors, including thermodynamic phase, shape, size, orientation, and number density. The postulated use of a polarization-diversity radar is based on the relationships of these parameters to the anisotropy of the scattering and propagation media. The measurement objectives lead to the specification of primary and secondary coverage regions. Target detection within the primary region (less than 40 km range) and propagation effects lead to the specification of S-band and Ka-band as optimum frequency bands for observations of precipitation and clouds, respectively. Radar system parameters are specified, and schematic diagrams of system hardware are presented. Antenna design concepts and practical considerations are discussed. We discuss concepts of data processing and a possible computer-oriented implementation of radar control and data processing.