Abstract

We developed a cloud profiling radar, named FALCON-I, transmitting frequency-modulated continuous wave (FM-CW) at 95 GHz for high sensitivity and high spatial resolution ground-based observations. Millimeter wave at 95 GHz is used to realize high sensitivity to small cloud particles. An FM-CW type radar realizes similar sensitivity with much smaller output power to a pulse type radar. Two 1m-diameter parabolic antennas separated by 1.4m each other are used for transmitting and receiving the wave. The direction of the antennas is fixed at the zenith at this moment. The radar can observe clouds up to 20 km in height with a resolution of 9 m. Beam size of the antenna is as small as 0.2 degree of arc, which corresponds to 15 m at the range of 5 km. Observation results showed that the sensitivity of -34 dBZ is realized at 5 km in range, and good spatial resolutions.

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