Salinity and Soil Moisture Radiometers

• L-Band Imaging Radiometers
• Ultrastable L-Band Radiometer Modules

The L-Band Imaging Radiometers

ProSensing has developed two lightweight radiometers designed for soil moisture or salinity mapping from a aircraft.

• Scanning Low Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SLFMR)
• Polarimetric L-Band Imaging Radiometer (PLMR)

System features include:

• Six parallel receiver channels using compact ultra-stable radiometer modules.
• Internal cold-FET calibration load.
• 6 beam single or dual polarization antenna.
• Constant temperature enclosure.
• Operates from various small aircraft.

This airborne surface salinity map was obtained during the 2000-2001 monsoon season using SLFMR showing freshwater plumes originating from the Johnstone and Russell/Mulgrave river basins, flowing into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. Color scale is in ppt. Image courtesy Flinders University (Australia).

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Ultrastable L-Band Radiometer Modules

ProSensing has Developed a high stability L-band radiometer module suitable for multi-channel analog beamforming or correlation radiometers.

System features include:

• Integrated 125 K cold-FET load for improved NEDT and accuracy over cool scenes, such as the ocean surface.
• Reconfigurable for direct detection or downconverted IF offset output.
• Fast load switching.
• Integrated ADC.
• Serial interface for control and data download.

Interior of PLMR showing six ultra-stable radiometer modules.

Allan deviation of six ultra-stable radiometer modules showing excellent instrument stability and unit-to-unit repeatability in NEDT (noise-equivalent delta-T).

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