Articles | Volume 18, issue 21
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-5999-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-5999-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
HoloTrack: in-situ holographic particle tracking velocimetry of cloud droplets
Birte Thiede
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Freja Nordsiek
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Yewon Kim
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Eberhard Bodenschatz
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, 523 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Gholamhossein Bagheri
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Accurate measurement of cloud particles is crucial for cloud research. While holographic imaging enables detailed analysis of cloud droplet size, shape, and distribution, processing errors remain poorly quantified. To address this, we developed CloudTarget, a patterned photomask that can quantify the detection efficiency and uncertainties. Additionally, our AI-based classification enhances both accuracy and speed, achieving over 90 % precision while accelerating analysis 100-fold.
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During the Pallas Cloud Experiment (PaCE) in Finland (19–26 September 2022), the Advanced Max Planck CloudKite instrument (MPCK+) gathered turbulence, atmospheric-state parameters and cloud-microphysics from 0–1200 m. Flights lasted 1.5–3 hours, capturing droplet concentrations and size distributions at high resolution (<10 m spacing). The dataset aids studies of Arctic boundary layer clouds above freezing temperatures. This paper details the data collection, structure, and user guidelines.
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During the Pallas Cloud Experiment (PaCE) in northern Finland from September 15 to 28, 2022, detailed measurements of the atmospheric boundary layer, aerosols, and cloud droplets were collected using the Max Planck CloudKite platform, WinDarts, and a ground station. Observations covered altitudes from ground level up to 1.5 km above ground level. This paper presents the dataset, describes the data collection process and structure, and provides guidance for users.
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This work presents an innovative way of sampling and analyzing volcanic clouds using an unoccupied aircraft system (UAS). The UAS can reach hazardous environments to sample volcanic particles and measure in situ key parameters, such as the atmospheric concentration of volcanic aerosols and gases. Acquired data bridge the gap between the existing approaches of ground sampling and remote sensing, thereby contributing to the understanding of volcanic cloud dispersion and impact.
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This manuscript presents datasets collected during the Pallas Cloud Experiment in northern Finland during the autumn of 2022. We provide an overview of the payload that measured meteorological, cloud, and aerosol properties, and was deployed on tethered balloon systems across 21 flights. Additionally, we describe the datasets obtained, including details of the instruments on the payload.
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Short summary
HoloTrack is a fully autonomous system designed to capture detailed data on cloud droplets. It combines holographic imaging with environmental sensors to measure droplet size, movement, and surrounding air conditions. The system records hologram pairs to track droplet motion. While it can be used in the lab, it is mainly designed for in-flight use to measure cloud droplets in-situ. This paper presents the instrument’s design and evaluates its performance through testing.
HoloTrack is a fully autonomous system designed to capture detailed data on cloud droplets. It...