Yellowstone Times

Montana State University has developed new technology that could enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts. The tools, created by electrical and computer engineering professor Kevin Repasky, offer continuous updates to data that meteorologists use, improving upon the current method of launching weather balloons twice daily at various global locations.

In collaboration with the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research and NASA, Repasky has spent 25 years developing a suite of instruments known as MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL). The technology has been patented by MSU's Technology Transfer Office and recently licensed to a Japanese company for commercialization.

Repasky explained the development process: "It begins with initial ideas, building and improving instrument prototypes, developing computer algorithms for interpreting data, and finally deploying instruments in the field. It is gratifying to see these instruments become accepted in the research community, having patents issued, and having this technology licensed and potential commercial instruments come out of this."

The MicroPulse DIAL instruments employ diode-lasers to send light pulses into the atmosphere. These pulses interact with atmospheric molecules like nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and aerosols such as dust particles. The time taken for the light to return provides range information while its scattered properties offer insights into humidity, temperature, pressure, wind speed, and atmospheric structure.

According to Repasky, "The cost of a MicroPulse DIAL instrument is comparable to what it costs to launch a year’s worth of weather balloons from a single location." He noted that these devices can be deployed long-term without supervision and can complement existing balloon data. This constant data flow aids in better predicting severe weather events like thunderstorms and precipitation patterns.

"The instruments that we’re using to gather temperature, humidity, windspeed and direction throughout the troposphere... is important for understanding the state of the atmosphere," said Repasky. He added that convection—a process crucial for storm formation—is also studied using these tools.

Over 25 years of this project’s span, Repasky has collaborated with numerous students who have advanced into careers across universities, national labs, and private sectors. "It’s fun to see the success of these students as they start on these projects," he stated. "It’s just really great to see the students succeed."