Measurements on Active Cold Loads for Radiometer Calibration

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearch

    1303 Downloads (Pure)

    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 languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMicrowave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment : MICRORAD 2008
    Number of pages4
    PublisherIEEE Press
    Publication date2008
    Article number4579465
    ISBN (Print)978-142441987-6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008
    Event10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment - Firenze, Italy
    Duration: 11 Mar 200814 Mar 2008
    Conference number: 10

    Conference

    Conference10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment
    Number10
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityFirenze
    Period11/03/200814/03/2008

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright: 2008 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Measurements on Active Cold Loads for Radiometer Calibration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this