Abstract
Two semi-conductor Active Cold Loads (ACLs) to be used as cold references in spaceborne microwave radiometers have been developed. An X-band frequency was chosen, and the target noise temperature value was in the 50 to 100 K range. The ACLs are characterized in the operating temperature range 0 50 degrees C, and long term stability is assessed. To this end a Test Bed has been developed. This Test Bed is actually a stable radiometer, and its design is briefly reviewed. The test setup is described, and preliminary test campaign results indicate output temperatures of 77 K and 55 K for the two ACLs. The temperature sensitivity is slightly below 0.4 K/degrees C for the units, and excellent long term stability prevails.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment : MICRORAD 2008 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Publisher | IEEE Press |
Publication date | 2008 |
Article number | 4579465 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-142441987-6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Event | 10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment - Firenze, Italy Duration: 11 Mar 2008 → 14 Mar 2008 Conference number: 10 |
Conference
Conference | 10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment |
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Number | 10 |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Firenze |
Period | 11/03/2008 → 14/03/2008 |