scholarly journals Calibration of a 35 GHz airborne cloud radar: lessons learned and intercomparisons with 94 GHz cloud radars

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1815-1839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Ewald ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
Martin Hagen ◽  
Lutz Hirsch ◽  
Julien Delanoë ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Spectral Response ◽  
Ocean Surface ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
Noise Power ◽  
Receiver Noise ◽  
Internal Calibration ◽  
Cloud Radar ◽  
The Absolute

Abstract. This study gives a summary of lessons learned during the absolute calibration of the airborne, high-power Ka-band cloud radar HAMP MIRA on board the German research aircraft HALO. The first part covers the internal calibration of the instrument where individual instrument components are characterized in the laboratory. In the second part, the internal calibration is validated with external reference sources like the ocean surface backscatter and different air- and spaceborne cloud radar instruments. A key component of this work was the characterization of the spectral response and the transfer function of the receiver. In a wide dynamic range of 70 dB, the receiver response turned out to be very linear (residual 0.05 dB). Using different attenuator settings, it covers a wide input range from −105 to −5 dBm. This characterization gave valuable new insights into the receiver sensitivity and additional attenuations which led to a major improvement of the absolute calibration. The comparison of the measured and the previously estimated total receiver noise power (−95.3 vs. −98.2 dBm) revealed an underestimation of 2.9 dB. This underestimation could be traced back to a larger receiver noise bandwidth of 7.5 MHz (instead of 5 MHz) and a slightly higher noise figure (1.1 dB). Measurements confirmed the previously assumed antenna gain (50.0 dBi) with no obvious asymmetries or increased side lobes. The calibration used for previous campaigns, however, did not account for a 1.5 dB two-way attenuation by additional waveguides in the airplane installation. Laboratory measurements also revealed a 2 dB higher two-way attenuation by the belly pod caused by small deviations during manufacturing. In total, effective reflectivities measured during previous campaigns had to be corrected by +7.6 dB. To validate this internal calibration, the well-defined ocean surface backscatter was used as a calibration reference. With the new absolute calibration, the ocean surface backscatter measured by HAMP MIRA agrees very well (<1 dB) with modeled values and values measured by the GPM satellite. As a further cross-check, flight experiments over Europe and the tropical North Atlantic were conducted. To that end, a joint flight of HALO and the French Falcon 20 aircraft, which was equipped with the RASTA cloud radar at 94 GHz and an underflight of the spaceborne CloudSat at 94 GHz were performed. The intercomparison revealed lower reflectivities (−1.4 dB) for RASTA but slightly higher reflectivities (+1.0 dB) for CloudSat. With effective reflectivities between RASTA and CloudSat and the good agreement with GPM, the accuracy of the absolute calibration is estimated to be around 1 dB.

scholarly journals Contribution to solving the orientation problem for an automatic magnetic observatory

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Khokhlov ◽  
J. L. Le Mouël ◽  
M. Mandea
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Component ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
Magnetic Observatory ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Internal Calibration ◽  
Scale Factors ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Absolute Measurements

Abstract. The problem of the absolute calibration of a vectorial (tri-axial) magnetometer is addressed with the objective that the apparatus, once calibrated, gives afterwards, for a few years, the absolute values of the three components of the geomagnetic field (say the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component) with an accuracy on the order of 1 nT. The calibration procedure comes down to measure the orientation in space of the three physical axes of the sensor or, in other words, the entries of the transfer matrix from the local geographical axes to these physical axes. Absolute calibration follows indeed an internal calibration which provides accurate values of the three scale factors corresponding to the three axes – and in addition their relative angles. The absolute calibration can be achieved through classical absolute measurements made with an independent equipment. It is shown – after an error analysis which is not trivial – that, while it is not possible to get the axes absolute orientations with a high accuracy, the assigned objective (absolute values of the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component, with an accuracy of the order of 1 nT) is nevertheless reachable; this is because in the time interval of interest the field to measure is not far from the field prevailing during the calibration process.

Southern hemisphere observations of ultra-violet radiation from celestial objects I. Experimental techniques and rocket payload technology

1964 ◽  
Vol 279 (1379) ◽  
pp. 510-522 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Absolute Intensity ◽  
Stellar Model ◽  
Angular Motion ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
The Moon ◽  
The Absolute

An experiment designed to measure the ultra-violet irradiances of stars from above the atmosphere of the Earth is described. A number of photometers were mounted on a Skylark vertical sounding rocket which was fired from Woomera, South Australia at 12.10 h U. T. on 1 May 1961. Each photometer consisted of a photomultiplier tube and a device to limit the field of view. The spectrum sensitivity of the photometers was determined by the silica windows and gold cathodes of the photomultiplier tubes and was equivalent to measure­ment at 1950 Å with 400 Å bandwidth. The photometers used logarithmic amplifiers to give a wide dynamic range. The sky was scanned by the angular motion of the rocket vehicle and the signals recorded by the photometers were transmitted to the ground over a radio telemetry link. Devices for measuring the attitude of the rocket relative to the lunar and geomagnetic vectors were mounted on the vehicle. One lunar sensor is described in detail in part II of the paper where the analysis of the motion is considered. The angular motion is shown to be one of roll a t 93.70°/s and precession around a cone of 49° semi-angle with a period of 178 s. The identification of signals with 22 stars and with the Moon is described in part III . An ultra-violet index is defined and the values found in this experiment are compared with the predictions of a number of stellar model atmospheres. This comparison, which is independent of the absolute intensity calibration of the photometers, shows that the models for early B stars over-estimate the ultra-violet irradiances. The absolute calibration shows that this over-estimate occurs for stars of spectrum classes O and B and is particularly marked for B 0 and B 1 stars. The irradiance of a star of zero magnitude at 1950Å is found to be 640 photons cm -2 s -1 Å -1 with an uncertainty of a factor of 1.5. The distribution of stars by apparent ultra-violet magnitude is discussed. Observations of the Moon are interpreted to yield a value for the lunar albedo of 3.3 x 10 -3 at 2200 Å.

scholarly journals Solving the orientation problem for an automatic magnetic observatory

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 337-363
Author(s):  
A. Khokhlov ◽  
J. L. Le Mouël ◽  
M. Mandea
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Component ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
Magnetic Observatory ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Internal Calibration ◽  
Scale Factors ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Absolute Measurements

Abstract. The problem of the absolute calibration of a vectorial (tri-axial) magnetometer is addressed with the objective that the apparatus, once calibrated, gives afterwards, for a few years, the absolute values of the three components of the geomagnetic field (say the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component) with an accuracy of the order of 1 nT. The calibration procedure comes down to measure the orientation in space of the three physical axes of the sensor or, in other words, the entries of the transfer matrix from the local geographical axes to these physical axes. Absolute calibration follows indeed an internal calibration which provides accurate values of the three scale factors corresponding to the three axes – and in addition their relative angles. The absolute calibration can be achieved through classical absolute measurements made with an independent equipment. It is shown – after an error analysis which is not trivial – that, while it is not possible to get the axes absolute orientations with a high accuracy, the assigned objective (absolute values of the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component, with an accuracy of the order of 1 nT) is nevertheless reachable; this is because in the time interval of interest the field to measure are not far from the field prevailing during the calibration process.

scholarly journals PHOTOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF A COMMERCIAL DSLR CAMERA FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN IMAGING LUMINANCE METER

Anales AFA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 143-149
Author(s):  
O. U. Preciado ◽  
◽  
A. Décima ◽  
J.B. Barraza ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Spectral Response ◽  
High Dynamic Range ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Cmos Sensor ◽  
High Dynamic

In this paper we describe the procedure followed in the photometric characterization of a DSLR camera in order to implement an imaging luminance meter. The first step consisted in the experimental setup of a system to obtain the spectral response curves of the CMOS sensor for its three channels: red (R), green (G) and blue (B). Then, based on the linear combination of the RGB channel curves, we calculated an approximation of the CIE luminous efficiency function, V(λ), for the camera. We then characterized the camera lens which involved measuring its spectral transmittance and evaluating the uniformity of the lens-sensor assembly to compensate for loss of sensitivity at the image periphery (vignetting). Finally, we performed an absolute calibration in luminance and carried out a pilot test to create high dynamic range (HDR) images and luminance maps of a scene. The favourable results of the pilot test augur a successful implementation of the image luminance meter, however, it is necessary to finish with the development of a software for the image processing and to do more tests in order to be able to validate its use in different situations or to establish the restrictions of its use.

Foundations of Advanced Neuroanatomy: Technical Guidelines for Specimen Preparation, Dissection, and 3D-Photodocumentation in a Surgical Anatomy Laboratory

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano César PC Leonel ◽  
Lucas P. Carlstrom ◽  
Christopher S. Graffeo ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Carlos Diogenes Pinheiro-Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Tradition ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
High Dynamic Range ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Key Steps

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to provide a key update to the seminal works of Prof. Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, with particular attention to previously unpublished insights from the oral tradition of his fellows, recent technological advances including endoscopy, and high-dynamic range (HDR) photodocumentation, and, local improvements in technique, we have developed to optimize efficient neuroanatomic study. Methods Two formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were injected with colored latex to demonstrate step-by-step specimen preparation for microscopic or endoscopic dissection. One formaldehyde-fixed brain was utilized to demonstrate optimal three-dimensional (3D) photodocumentation techniques. Results Key steps of specimen preparation include vessel cannulation and securing, serial tap water flushing, specimen drainage, vessel injection with optimized and color-augmented latex material, and storage in 70% ethanol. Optimizations for photodocumentation included the incorporation of dry black drop cloth and covering materials, an imaging-oriented approach to specimen positioning and illumination, and single-camera stereoscopic capture techniques, emphasizing the three-exposure-times-per-eye approach to generating images for HDR postprocessing. Recommended tools, materials, and technical nuances were emphasized throughout. Relative advantages and limitations of major 3D projection systems were comparatively assessed, with sensitivity to audience size and purpose specific recommendations. Conclusion We describe the first consolidated step-by-step approach to advanced neuroanatomy, including specimen preparation, dissection, and 3D photodocumentation, supplemented by previously unpublished insights from the Rhoton fellowship experience and lessons learned in our laboratories in the past years such that Prof. Rhoton's model can be realized, reproduced, and expanded upon in surgical neuroanatomy laboratories worldwide.

scholarly journals Absolute Calibration or Validation of the Altimeters on the Sentinel-3A and the Jason-3 over Lake Issykkul (Kyrgyzstan)

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Crétaux ◽  
Muriel Bergé-Nguyen ◽  
Stephane Calmant ◽  
Nurzat Jamangulova ◽  
Rysbek Satylkanov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Satellite System ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
In Situ Data ◽  
Absolute Bias ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Field Campaigns ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Gps System ◽  
Water Height

Calibration/Validation (C/V) studies using sites in the oceans have a long history and protocols are well established. Over lakes, C/V allows addressing problems such as the performance of the various retracking algorithms and evaluating the accuracy of the geophysical corrections for continental waters. This is achievable when measurements of specific and numerous field campaigns and a ground permanent network of level gauges and weather stations are processed. C/V consists of installation of permanent sites (weather stations, limnigraphs, and GPS reference points) and the organization of regular field campaigns. The lake Issykkul serves as permanent site of C/V, for a multi-mission purpose. The objective of this paper is to calculate the altimeter biases of Jason-3 and Sentinel-3A, both belonging to an operational satellite system which is used for the long-term monitoring of lake level variations. We have also determined the accuracy of the altimeters of these two satellites, through a comparison analysis with in situ data. In 2016 and 2017, three campaigns have been organized over this lake in order to estimate the absolute bias of the nadir altimeter onboard the Jason-3 and Sentinel-3A. The fieldwork consisted of measuring water height using a GPS system, carried on a boat, along the track of the altimeter satellite across the lake. It was performed at the time of the pass of the altimeter. Absolute altimeter biases were calculated by averaging the water height differences along the pass of the satellite (GPS from the boat system versus altimetry). Jason-3 operates in a Low Resolution Mode (LRM), while the Sentinel-3A operates in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode. In this study we found that the absolute biases measured for Jason-3 were −28 ± 40 mm with the Ocean retracker and 206 ± 30 mm with the Ice-1 retracker. The biases for Sentinel-3A were −14 ± 20 mm with the Samosa (Ocean like) retracker and 285 ± 20 mm with the OCOG (Ice-1-like) retracker. We have also evaluated the accuracy of these two altimeters over Lake Issykkul which reached to 3 cm, for both the instruments, using the Ocean retracker.

scholarly journals Spectral Calibration Requirements of Radio Interferometers for Epoch of Reionisation Science with the SKA

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathryn M. Trott ◽  
Randall B. Wayth
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Noise ◽  
Spectral Response ◽  
Order Term ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Primary Beam ◽  
Noise Power ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Spectral Calibration ◽  
Fourth Order Term ◽  
Complete Frequency

AbstractSpectral features introduced by instrumental chromaticity of radio interferometers have the potential to negatively impact the ability to perform Epoch of Reionisation and Cosmic Dawn (EoR/CD) science. We describe instrument calibration choices that influence the spectral characteristics of the science data, and assess their impact on EoR/CD statistical and tomographic experiments. Principally, we consider the intrinsic spectral response of the antennas, embedded within a complete frequency-dependent primary beam response, and instrument sampling. The analysis is applied to the proposed SKA1-Low EoR/CD experiments. We provide tolerances on the smoothness of the SKA station primary beam bandpass, to meet the scientific goals of statistical and tomographic (imaging) of EoR/CD programs. Two calibration strategies are tested: (1) fitting of each fine channel independently, and (2) fitting of annth-order polynomial for each ~ 1 MHz coarse channel with (n+1)th-order residuals (n= 2, 3, 4). Strategy (1) leads to uncorrelated power in the 2D power spectrum proportional to the thermal noise power, thereby reducing the overall sensitivity. Strategy (2) leads to correlated residuals from the fitting, and residual signal power with (n+1)th-order curvature. For the residual power to be less than the thermal noise, the fractional amplitude of a fourth-order term in the bandpass across a single coarse channel must be < 2.5% (50 MHz), < 0.5% (150 MHz), < 0.8% (200 MHz). The tomographic experiment places constraints on phase residuals in the bandpass. We find that the root-mean-square variability over all stations of the change in phase across any fine channel (4.578 kHz) should not exceed 0.2 degrees.

scholarly journals Absolute calibration method for frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) cloud radars based on corner reflectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6853-6875
Author(s):  
Felipe Toledo ◽  
Julien Delanoë ◽  
Martial Haeffelin ◽  
Jean-Charles Dupont ◽  
Susana Jorquera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Continuous Wave ◽  
Intermediate Frequency ◽  
Absolute Calibration ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Cloud Radar ◽  
Calibration Uncertainty ◽  
Radar Calibration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Uncertainty Source

Abstract. This article presents a new cloud radar calibration methodology using solid reference reflectors mounted on masts, developed during two field experiments held in 2018 and 2019 at the Site Instrumental de Recherche par Télédétection Atmosphérique (SIRTA) atmospheric observatory, located in Palaiseau, France, in the framework of the Aerosol Clouds Trace gases Research InfraStructure version 2 (ACTRIS-2) research and innovation program. The experimental setup includes 10 and 20 cm triangular trihedral targets installed at the top of 10 and 20 m masts, respectively. The 10 cm target is mounted on a pan-tilt motor at the top of the 10 m mast to precisely align its boresight with the radar beam. Sources of calibration bias and uncertainty are identified and quantified. Specifically, this work assesses the impact of receiver compression, temperature variations inside the radar, frequency-dependent losses in the receiver's intermediate frequency (IF), clutter and experimental setup misalignment. Setup misalignment is a source of bias, previously undocumented in the literature, that can have an impact of the order of tenths of a decibel in calibration retrievals of W-band radars. A detailed analysis enabled the quantification of the importance of each uncertainty source to the final cloud radar calibration uncertainty. The dominant uncertainty source comes from the uncharacterized reference target which reached 2 dB. Additionally, the analysis revealed that our 20 m mast setup with an approximate alignment approach is preferred to the 10 m mast setup with the motor-driven alignment system. The calibration uncertainty associated with signal-to-clutter ratio of the former is 10 times smaller than for the latter. Following the proposed methodology, it is possible to reduce the added contribution from all uncertainty terms, excluding the target characterization, down to 0.4 dB. Therefore, this procedure should enable the achievement of calibration uncertainties under 1 dB when characterized reflectors are available. Cloud radar calibration results are found to be repeatable when comparing results from a total of 18 independent tests. Once calibrated, the cloud radar provides valid reflectivity values when sampling midtropospheric clouds. Thus, we conclude that the method is repeatable and robust, and that the uncertainties are precisely characterized. The method can be implemented under different configurations as long as the proposed principles are respected. It could be extended to reference reflectors held by other lifting devices such as tethered balloons or unmanned aerial vehicles.

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