Abu dhabi: The Strategic Directions Committee (SDC) of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has concluded its midterm site visit to the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) to assess the progress of the Cycle 5 research project titled 'Laser-Based Rain Triggering Demonstrator with Remote Sensing Technology.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the project, led by Dr. Guillaume Matras, Senior Director of the Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC), investigates the application of high-power laser technology to initiate water condensation and alter cloud microphysics under controlled conditions. Initial laboratory experiments at TII have shown successful laser-induced condensation and filament formation, validating the concept's feasibility.
The project aims to field test using a Mobile High-Power Pulsed Laser Demonstrator (MHPPLD), which includes a remote sensing system and is deployable across various locations in the UAE. Additionally, the project's modeling capabilities have been expanded through international collaborations with the University of Hyogo in Japan for super-droplet cloud simulations, Southern University of Science and Technology in China for laser-microphysics coupling, and Empa in Switzerland for AI-driven LiDAR data analysis. These efforts aim to simulate UAE-specific conditions to support field validation.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology, emphasized the importance of advanced technologies like laser-based rain enhancement in addressing water scarcity. He noted that such innovations are crucial for improving rainfall in arid and semi-arid regions and align with the UAE's vision for sustainable water resource management.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the project's role in positioning the UAE at the forefront of innovation in laser-based rainfall enhancement. She noted the integration of experimental physics, advanced atmospheric modeling, and AI diagnostics as novel approaches to weather modification. The project is also seen as a model of global scientific collaboration, supporting the development of laboratories at TII and local universities.
During the visit, the team unveiled a multi-laser system architecture, replacing the single-source laser with a hybrid femtosecond-nanosecond configuration. This new setup aims to enhance peak power and plasma density while minimizing operational risks. An advanced remote sensing suite was also developed, integrating spectroscopy with multi-wavelength LiDAR sensing for real-time monitoring of droplet formation, leading to the first joint patent filing between TII and NCM with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The project continues to build local capacity, involving junior researchers and students in various work packages. Notably, Reem Al Ameri, a Mechanical Engineer at TII, has started her PhD research in collaboration with EMPA and the University of Bern, further enhancing the UAE's scientific capabilities in this field.