NCAR Airborne Instrumentation Inventory

1. INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION

Instrument Designation:
Video Ice Particle Sampler

Instrument Acronym:
VIPS

Instrument Measurements:

a) Trace Gas


b) Cloud Physics/Aerosol
The VIPS is an electro-optical instrument used to collect and record a continuous sample of cloud particles down to 5 um. Particles are collected continuously on a looped belt coated with silicone oil. The portion of the belt exposed to the airstream is imaged by two very hihg resolution charged coupled device (CCD) shuttered video cameras with different resolutions. The resulting imagery is available for real-time, in-flight evaluation of cloud conditions and for post-flight habit classification and spectra analysis.

The VIPS system is composed of two parts: (1) an electro-optical collection and imaging unit mounted in a standard particle measurement system (PMS) can, and (2) data acquisition and recording components. Aperture width of the collection subassembly is adjustable for varying flight conditions. The CCD imaging cameras are coupled with inline, high detail video enhancers. Particle imagery is recorded continuously at 30 Hz on high-resolution Hi-8 VCRs. Images are also captured at 1 Hz, digitized in real-time and recorded on an Apple PowerPC.

c) Radiation/Optical/Electrical


d) Additional Capabilities
Real-time, in-flight evaluation if cloud conditions.

Resource Person/Developer:
Name: Andy Heymsfield
Affiliation: NCAR
Phone: (303) 497-8943
Email: heyms1@ucar.edu

Principle of Measurement:


In situ/Remote/Flux Measurement:

2. INSTRUMENT APPLICATION

Scientific questions to be answered:
Presence of small ice crystals in cirrus.

Field projects in which the instrument has been used:
WAVE90, FIRE-II, TOGA COARE, CEPEX, ARM, SUCCESS

Publications describing the instrument, applications and field project results:
Heymsfield, A.J., and G.M. McFarquhar, 1996: High albedos of cirrus in the Tropical Pacific warm pool: microphysical interpretations from CEPEX and from Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. J. Atmos. Sci., 53, 2424- 2451.

McFarquhar, G.M., and A.J. Heymsfield, 1996: Microphysical characteristics of three anvils sampled during the Central Equatorial Pacific Experiment. J. Atmos. Sci., 53, 2401-2423.

3. Instrument Deployment

Altitude:


Aircraft Platform:


Inlet Configuration/Location:
Collection/imaging unit in standard PMS can; Acquisition/recording unit is cabin-mounted

Calibration/Cross Calibration:
NIST-traceable galss beads; stage micrometer

Operator Requirements:
Changing video tapes every two hours

Data Collection:
self

Post-flight Data Validation, Processing, Hours per Flight Hour etc.
Semi-automated analysis by computer

Physical Characteristics:
Dimensions: collection/imagin unit fits in standard PMS can
Weight: 5.9 kg
Power: collection/imaging unit: 28 VDC; acquisition/recording unit 115 VAC
Other:

4. Instrument Performance

Linear Range:
continuos between 5 and > 150 um

Response Time:
continuous

Detection Limits:
5 um lower detection limit
> 150 um upper detection limit

Accuracy:
5 to > 150 um diameter
± 10 um

Precision:
± 1-2 um

Limitations (such as altitude, airspeed, etc.)

5. Alternative Techniques

6.Status/Plans

7.Comments