Lightning Localization Based on VHF Broadband Interferometer Developed in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A basic broadband digital interferometer was developed, which is capable of locating Very High Frequency (VHF) radiation sources in two spatial dimensions and time. Three antennas sensed the time series of broadband electromagnetic (EM) signals and digitized with 4 ns sampling interval for a duration of several milliseconds. A technique based on cross-correlations has been implemented for mapping lightning source locations. A map of the first return stroke (RS) and the preceding stepped leader was mapped successfully, using the system with a time resolution of few milliseconds. The result was compared with the visible events of the ground flash to validate the system.