Influence of System Parameters on Airborne Microwave Radiometer Design

The principles of operation of broad-band microwave radiometers are discussed. Formulas are given for the performance of various receiver configurations, and the effects of variations in stability of gain, noise figure, and reference signal are discussed. A range equation is formulated showing the interrelationships among the various system parameters of a typical airborne mapping radiometer. Figures of merit are defined and discussed for the targets, antenna, receiver, and flight conditions.