First Advisor
Joshua Mendez
Term of Graduation
January 2026
Date of Publication
6-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Language
English
Subjects
Lightning, Localization
Physical Description
1 online resource ( pages)
Abstract
High precision lightning localization is essential for atmospheric research and publicsafety, yet the high cost of traditional VLF/LF systems restricts high resolution detection primarily to well funded agencies. Furthermore, conventional low frequency receivers often overlook microwave frequency emissions associated with lightning leader development. This thesis proposes a compact, low cost microwave frequency localization system operating in the 1.42 GHz band to provide an accessible alternative for high resolution mapping. The methodology utilizes an ARM Cortex M0+ microcontroller and a triggered 64 MHz 32 bit counter synchronized to a GPS Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal, achieving a temporal resolution of approximately 47 ns. Our laboratory results confirm that the system maintains timing accuracy within ±3 clock cycles, yielding a theoretical spatial uncertainty of under 14 meters compared to 30 meters with traditional systems. This achievement enables the deployment of dense sensor networks for a single processing board cost of approximately $40. Such networks have direct applications in mapping the micro processes of lightning initiation and providing strike indications for aviation and fire services. While the timing logic was validated using simulated triggers, the physical RF front end remains a current limitation. Future work will focus on the fabrication of the RF section, environmental hardening, and the implementation of autonomous field deployment.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Recommended Citation
Glaubitz, Bradley, "Low Cost Lightning Localization at Microwave Frequencies" (2026). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 7130.