The space-borne terahertz ice cloud imager technology

The detection of ice and cloud in the upper atmosphere is essential for the climate research, weather forecast, and characterization of cloud physics. However, traditional observation methods may be impaired by the ice particles. The observation of sensitivity of ice particles with space-borne terahertz instruments are recognized to the optimal method as regards the measurement of the ice water path and dimensions of ice particles. Firstly, the terahertz ice and cloud imager system scheme is designed, the quasi-optical feeder and signal separation scheme is proposed, the key technologies of the system such as multi-frequency shared terahertz antenna technology and terahertz low-noise reception technology are studied, the verification and test results of key technologies are given, which provides a certain guidance for the development of the space-borne terahertz ice cloud imager