Optical particle size analyzer CDP-2

laser light scatteringlaserfor research

Overview
This miniature, lightweight, low-power cloud particle spectrometer measures droplets from 2 µm to 50 µm and concentrations up to 2,000 particles/cm3. It is configured for airborne and in-situ platforms, including manned aircraft, UAVs, towers and ground rigs.

Features and benefits

• Versatile performance: Operable across a wide range of platforms (aircraft, towers, UAVs, spray rigs) for cloud microphysics campaigns.
• Reduced particle artifacts: Anti-shatter tips and wetless windows minimise fragmentation and false high counts.
• Automatic adjustments: Dynamic baseline automatically adjusts sizer and qualifier signals to compensate for temperature drifts and maintain sizing accuracy.
• Advanced precision: Optional Particle-by-Particle (PBP) mode records scattering intensity and inter-arrival times with microsecond resolution.
• Lifecycle Care Program: Maintenance program available to preserve measurement integrity and operational readiness.

Technology

• Particle light-scattering: Forward-scattering optical spectrometer that sizes only particles traversing a region of the laser beam with uniform power.
• Forward-scattered light is split (50/50) and measured by photodetectors to determine particle size and depth of field.

Main applications

• Cloud physics and microstructure research
• Weather modification and cloud seeding studies

PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System (optional)
PADS provides a virtual instrument panel to control the CDP-2 and display real-time data and logs. Typical capabilities include:

• Sample and record data
• Display particle volume and number concentrations, Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Effective Diameter (ED)
• Display liquid water content (LWC) as measured by the CDP
• Monitor instrument parameters (laser current, electronics voltages)
• Play back recorded data for post-flight analysis
• Reprocess data with new parameters for further analysis

Accessories

• PADS software and laptop (optional)
• Spinning pinhole for alignment and calibration checks
• Canister adapter for conventional cloud-probe mounting canisters

Technical specifications

• Measured parameter: single-particle light scattering
• Derived parameters: particle diameter; number concentration; liquid water content (LWC); effective diameter (ED); median volume diameter (MVD)
• Particle size range: 2–50 µm
• Number concentration range: 0–2,000 particles/cm3
• Typical sample area: 0.24 mm2
• Number of size bins: 30
• Air speed range: 10–250 m/s
• Sampling frequency: selectable, 0.04–20 s
• Refractive index (standard): non-absorbing, 1.33
• Light collection angles: design 4°–12°; performance 1.7°–14°
• Laser: 658 nm, up to 50 mW
• Data interfaces: RS-422; USB
• Power: system 28 VDC @ 2 A; anti-ice 28 VDC @ 12 A
• Operating environment: -40 to 40 °C; 0–100% RH non-condensing; altitude 0–15,000 m
• Weight: probe 1.37 kg; electronics box and cable 0.82 kg (lightweight UAV version available)
• Probe dimensions: 26.7 × 17.5 × 21.6 cm
• Electronics box dimensions: 17.8 × 8.9 × 5.1 cm