A Mobile Rapid-Scanning X-band Polarimetric (RaXPol) Doppler Radar System

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric and oceanic technology 2013-07, Vol.30 (7), p.1398-1413
Main Authors: Pazmany, Andrew L, Mead, James B, Bluestein, Howard B, Snyder, Jeffrey C, Houser, Jana B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amplifiers
Antennas
Atmospherics
Compression
Correlation coefficient
Correlation coefficients
Cross correlation
Crystal oscillators
Data transmission
Doppler effect
Doppler radar
Doppler sonar
Dual polarization radar
Frequency hopping
Global positioning systems
GPS
Horizontal polarization
Independent sample
Longitudinal waves
Marine
Polarimetry
Precipitation
Pulse compression
Radar
Radar data
Radar equipment
Radar reflectivity
Radar systems
Receivers & amplifiers
Reflectance
Scanning
Severe weather
Signal processing
Spectrum allocation
Standard data
Standard deviation
Storms
Superhigh frequencies
Tornadoes
Traveling wave tubes
Traveling waves
Velocity
Waveform analysis
Waveforms
Wavelength
X-band
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0739-0572
1520-0426
DOI:10.1175/JTECH-D-12-00166.1