3V-CPI - 3-View Cloud Particle Imager

Combination Instrument
Cloud Particle Imager and a Dual Optical Array Probe

Detailed Imaging and Optical Array Probe in One Instrument

The 3-View Cloud Particle Imager (3V-CPI) merges higher resolution, photographic imagery with OAP optical array imaging technology for a comprehensive look at cloud microphysics. From small ice crystals to rain, snow, and graupel, the 3V-CPI concurrently captures particle size, shape and concentration.

Features

• Combination Instrument – CPI distinguishes cloud drops from small ice crystals while integrated dual OAP probes provide accurate cloud particle size distributions
• Proven performance on research aircraft worldwide
• Post-processing tools for morphology and artifact filtering
• Very-high data rate
• Automatic startup and seamless computer communication

Applications

• Cirrus, mixed-phase and supercooled cloud research
• Ice particle growth and aggregation research
• Validation of remote sensing measurements, i.e. satellite and radar
• Multi-scale sampling of cloud and precipitation particles

Details

• CPI – 2.3 µm/pixel photographic CMOS-based imager
  • 7 – 2000µm size range
  • 2.3µm resolution
• 2D-S – channel 1, photo-diode based imager
  • 10 – 1280µm+ size range
  • 10µm resolution
• 2D-S – channel 2, photo-diode based imager
  • 50 – 6400µm+ size range
  • 50µm resolution
• 1 Gbps Ethernet interface
• 1TB onboard storage
• Hermetically sealed