Radio Storm Monitoring Stations (RSMS)

The RSMS series consists of research-grade lightning monitoring stations operating in two complementary frequency domains:

ModelRF BandIndicative RangeKey features
RSMS01UHF (~400 MHz)40-70kmActive QFH antenna array, GNSS time-stamping, to study detailed structure of lightning breakdown
RSMS02VLF (20–500 kHz)100-200kmMulti-loop antenna array with on-board processing, Trigger, long-range detection and mapping

Low-frequency note:
At VLF and lower bands, the electric and magnetic field components are no longer tightly coupled.
For the electric field, should be measured using the THUNDERMILL sensor.
For the magnetic field, use a magnetometer. This separation is a consequence of near-field behaviour, where the wavelength is large compared to the source distance, and E- and H-fields carry different information. In the near-field region (typ. < λ/2π), the E-field is dominated by charge dynamics, while the H-field is dominated by current dynamics. Since they decay differently with distance and are not bound by E/H = Z₀, they provide complementary information and require independent sensors.

Concept Overview

The RSMS system is designed for multi-band radio detection of lightning. While RSMS02 provides reliable VLF triggering and coarse localization, RSMS01 captures the fine-scale UHF signatures of the lightning events. Both units operate time-synchronously and can be combined for interferometric and correlation analyses with optical, E-field, or radiation sensors.

Applications

  • Coordinated observation of lightning discharges
  • Study of spatial and temporal characteristics of leaders
  • Multi-band correlation with optical, EFM, or radiation detectors
  • Calibration of atmospheric electromagnetic models

Table of contents