Optical particle size analyzer CIP

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Product overview
The Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) is an airborne optical array probe for in-flight measurement of particle size, shape and liquid water content (LWC) used in cloud physics and atmospheric research. Particle sizing range: 25 µm–1550 µm (optional 15 µm–930 µm). LWC: 0.01–3 g/m3. Airspeed capability depends on configuration (typical 10–300 m/s).

Features and benefits

• Optimized for growth-phase measurements: Delivers particle size distributions from 25 µm to 1550 µm or 15 µm to 930 µm with optional 15‑µm resolution.
• High-quality particle images: 64-element linear photodetector array produces shadow images; optional grayscale mode enhances regional density details for particle classification.
• Environmental and flight data: Records ambient temperature, relative humidity, static and dynamic pressure, aircraft velocity and altitude, plus LWC.
• Lifecycle support: Optional Lifecycle Care Program to support instrument integrity and performance over operational campaigns.

Technology

• Particle imaging: Shadow images from particles traversing a collimated laser beam are projected onto a 64-element linear photodetector array.
• Image reconstruction: Particle images are reconstructed from sequential "slices" corresponding to the 64-element array state over time.
• Laser: 658 nm, 30 mW for imaging.

Main applications

• Climate models and radiative forcing studies
• Cloud physics and microphysical process research
• Weather modification and atmospheric measurement campaigns

PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System
The CIP supports optional PADS software providing a virtual instrument panel for control, real-time display and data logging.

• Start/stop data recording and sampling
• View real-time particle images
• Display particle volume and number concentrations, Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Effective Diameter (ED)
• Compare LWC measured by the hotwire sensor and calculated by the CIP
• Monitor instrument parameters (e.g. laser current, electronics voltages)
• Playback recorded data for post-flight analysis

Accessories

• PADS software and laptop
• Data acquisition system

Technical specifications (summary)

• Technique: Optical array probe with 64 elements (62 sizing elements + end diode rejection)
• Measured particle size ranges: standard 25 µm–1550 µm; optional 15 µm–930 µm (equivalent quoted ranges: 12.5 µm–1.55 mm and 7.5 µm–930 µm)
• Liquid Water Content (LWC): 0.01–3 g/m3 (hotwire sensor)
• Air speed range: nominal 10–300 m/s depending on resolution and tip configuration
• Number of size bins: 62
• Sampling frequency: 1D histogram 0.05–25 Hz; 2D image data variable (buffer-dependent)
• Laser: 658 nm, 30 mW
• Auxiliary parameters: ambient temperature, relative humidity, static and dynamic pressure, aircraft velocity and altitude
• Data interfaces: RS-422 (2D data high speed 4 Mb/s; system data 56.6 kb/s)
• Upper concentration handling: up to ~500 particles/cm3 (configuration dependent)
• Weight: ~9.5 kg (21 lbs) in DMT canister
• Power: 28 VDC primary supply; probe ~11 A; anti-ice heaters draw additional current depending on tip type
• Operating conditions: -40 °C to +40 °C; 0–100% RH non-condensing; altitude up to 50,000 ft