Open AccessA Mobile Rapid-Scanning X-band Polarimetric (RaXPol) Doppler Radar System
Author(s) -
Andrew L. Pazmany,
J.B. Mead,
Howard B. Bluestein,
Jeffrey C. Snyder,
Jana B. Houser
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of atmospheric and oceanic technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.774
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1520-0426
pISSN - 0739-0572
DOI - 10.1175/jtech-d-12-00166.1
Subject(s) - remote sensing , radar , polarimetry , pulse doppler radar , antenna (radio) , weather radar , pulse repetition frequency , continuous wave radar , doppler radar , doppler effect , optics , geology , physics , radar imaging , computer science , telecommunications , scattering , astronomy
A novel, rapid-scanning, X-band (3-cm wavelength), polarimetric (RaXPol), mobile radar was developed for severe-weather research. The radar employs a 2.4-m-diameter dual-polarized parabolic dish antenna on a high-speed pedestal capable of rotating the antenna at 180° s−1. The radar can complete a 10-elevation-step volume scan in about 20 s, while maintaining a 180-record-per-second data rate. The transmitter employs a 20-kW peak-power traveling wave tube amplifier that can generate pulse compression and frequency-hopping waveforms. Frequency hopping permits the acquisition of many more independent samples possible than without frequency hopping, making it possible to scan much more rapidly than conventional radars. Standard data products include vertically and horizontally polarized equivalent radar reflectivity factor, Doppler velocity mean and standard deviation, copolar cross-correlation coefficient, and differential phase. This paper describes the radar system and illustrates the capabilities of the radar through selected analyses of data collected in the U.S. central plains during the 2011 spring tornado season. Also noted are opportunities for experimenting with different signal-processing techniques to reduce beam smearing, increase sensitivity, and improve range resolution.