Timing Uncertainty of the Lightning Imaging Sensor

Abstract

AbstractThe timing uncertainty of the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), on orbit, is not currently accurately known. This is due to an imprecise value of the frame rate in the literature; the conceptual design value of 500 frames per second (fps) is often quoted. As researchers explore more ways to apply LIS data—in particular, the utility of group-level data, which correspond to strokes—a more precise value of the frame rate and timing uncertainty is important for proper understanding and use of the data. In this study, the average on-orbit frame rate was documented. From this, the timing uncertainty for LIS data was determined. Using on-orbit LIS data, the average frame rate of LIS is 558.58 fps and the timing uncertainty for LIS groups and events is 250 μs. It is shown that this uncertainty is associated with the quantization of the time of each frame. Further, the source time of optical pulses from lightning can have a bias that is not currently accounted for in the LIS data. This study shows how this correction can be on the order of the timing uncertainty, and a method in which this correction can be determined is outlined.