A 94-GHz Doppler Radar for Cloud Observations

Abstract

A Doppler radar operating at 3.2 mm wavelength was designed and assembled primarily for observation of clouds and precipitation. Phase detection of the radar signals which is required for Doppler operation is implemented through the use of a coherent oscillator phase locked on the transmitter pulse and used as a reference in the phase detector. The radar and associated signal processing techniques such as signal integrator and signal autocovariance estimator are discussed along with the Doppler performance of the radar. Also presented are the results of observation of ice and water clouds and also precipitation which show the excellent Doppler capabilities of the radar in terms of accuracy of the mean Doppler and Doppler spectrum width.