Work

Active and Passive Integrated Lightning Localization and Imaging Technology Based on Very-High-Frequency Radar

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper aims to enhance lightning positioning technology and data processing algorithms using very-high-frequency (VHF) lightning radar. It focuses on achieving three-dimensional imaging of plasma channels formed during lightning. By extracting key features from lightning echo signals received by VHF radar, we utilize a unique active and passive integrated positioning technology to locate the lightning radiation source. This algorithm effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional positioning methods. Experimental results show that the integrated positioning algorithm maintains accuracy while significantly increasing the number of positioning points, which supports subsequent imaging of lightning plasma channels. To illustrate the dendritic structure of the lightning channel, we employed a density-based clustering algorithm to eliminate noise points unrelated to the lightning source, enhancing imaging clarity. The methods presented in this study successfully meet the experiment’s goals and are significant for locating lightning radiation sources and understanding the dendritic structure changes in plasma channels during lightning propagation.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs17101729

Authors: Yide Tan, Chen Zhou, Xinmiao Zhang, Moran Liu

Institution: Wuhan University

Language: English

Topic: Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China