Welcome from the Director

Welcome to the Atmospheric Radar Research Center at the University of Oklahoma! The ARRC consists of a vibrant group of faculty and students from both engineering and meteorology, focused on solving challenging radar problems and preparing the next generation of students. Through the collaborative nature instilled in its members, the ARRC has proven effective at developing synergy between science and engineering in the field of weather radar. In the National Weather Center and in its extensive laboratory and radar facilities, meteorology and engineering faculty and students work side-by-side to learn from each other and to tackle tough problems in remote sensing of the atmosphere. This interdisciplinary esprit de corps has already had a profound effect on both the undergraduate and graduate educational experiences in radar provided to OU students. -- Bob Palmer

New Doppler Radar Unveiled at AMS

Enterprise Electronics Corporation (EEC) in partnership with ARRC members Dr. Robert Palmer, Dr. Boon Leng Cheong, Dr. Yan Zhang and Mr. Redmond Kelley, recently unveiled an innovative low-cost polarimetric Doppler weather radar at the national AMS conference in New Orleans. The next phase of this $1.8M State of Oklahoma EDGE project is to develop an assembly facility in Norman to manufacture and globally market the radars to government and commercial entities that will greatly benefit from their use but who otherwise could not afford to purchase current Doppler radar systems.

ARRC Faculty Member Invited to Speak at Royal Society Conference

Dr. Robert Palmer has been invited to speak at The Royal Society conference on signal processing for the physical sciences in Buckinghamshire England in March. The aim of the conference is to bring together cutting edge methods from data analysis with pressing data challenges in the physical sciences, with a particular focus on challenges involving time-series data.

ARRC Faculty Member Involved In Bat-tracking Project

The bat population is being threatened by numerous human and environmental hazards and if scientists are going to help them, they need to be able to track them. Dr. Phil Chilson is among a group of scientists using both current and archived Nexrad weather data to study and track bats. The archived data has already generated several new observations and even a new field of science: Aeroecology. Read details in the current online article of Popular Science. (Click here)

New Radar Innovations Lab

The initial design phase of the new Radar Innovations Lab, which will be a state-of-the-art building dedicated to advancing OU's radar program, is nearing completion. Highlights of the new facility include a large microwave lab, high-bay garage, prototype fabrication facilities, machine shop, two precision anechoic chambers, experimental observation deck, and a unique "Ideas Room" to foster collaboration and innovation.

Dr. Tian-You Yu Receives ARRC Appointment

Dr. Robert Palmer has announced the appointment of Dr. Tian-You Yu as the new Associate Director of the ARRC. Dr. Yu will continue the excellent work of other ARRC faculty members who have previously held this important position, including current Associate Director Dr. Sebastian Torres whose term will end in June 2012. Dr. Palmer said Dr. Yu's position will be more longterm, allowing for enhanced continuity and a chance to take on more extensive projects. Congratulations, Tian!

ARRC Faculty Members Work with the JMA & Toshiba on New Radar System

ARRC faculty members Dr. Robert Palmer and Dr. Tian-You Yu recently traveled to Japan to work with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Toshiba Corporation on their advanced solid-state polarimetric radar. This new system was used to test several ideas related to pulse compression and general waveform design, which will have a direct impact on future phased array weather radar design.

Sensor Developments in Oklahoma

In the last decade, OU has strategically positioned its interdisciplinary weather radar program to advance multi-mission, "intelligent" radar sensor systems for airborne and space-borne platforms. These actions include plans for a new state-of-the-art Radar Innovations Center, cluster hires in remote sensing, and educational programs that offer hands-on training in radar sensing and unmanned aerial systems.

To learn more about these and other sensor developments in Oklahoma, click the magazine icon at left to access the latest issue of Sensors Magazine, Oklahoma Sensors Review 2011.

ARRC Faculty Member Appointed to Unmanned Aerial Systems Council

Dr. Phillip Chilson has been appointed to serve on the Unmanned Aerial Systems Council (UASC) by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. The UASC will review all development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and related technologies in the state. The council will act as an advisor to the governor on all issues related to UAS, including education, economic development, job creation and investments. Dr. Chilson is a professor in the School of Meteorology and is currently working on developing an unmanned aerial system for atmospheric observations.