Integrated Dual Conversion Radiometer for Profiling Low Concentrations of Atmospheric Water Vapor

70084S02-II Current microwave radiometer designs are not suitable for measuring low concentrations of atmospheric water vapor, information needed for climate and radiative flux research at high latitudes and in arid regions. This project will develop an inexpensive, high performance, modular, monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) for mass-producible, multi-channel spectral radiometry, applicable to microwave and millimeter wavebands. Phase I constructed, tested, and demonstrated the low cost and high performance of a versatile receiver design. Components required for the construction of a field-worthy, 183 GHz, water vapor profiling radiometer were identified. An eigenvalue analysis was performed to determine a suitable frequency ensemble for profiling water vapor in wintertime Arctic climates. Phase II will complete the design of the multi-channel, 183 GHz profiling radiometer and construct and test the instrument. This testing will include environmental chamber testing to simulate harsh Arctic weather. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Commercial applications should include low cost, robust, high performance radiometers for weather monitoring and prediction; remote sensing of snow, ice, sea surface, and soil moisture; lightweight and low power unmanned-aerial-vehicle sensor systems; and many other microwave and millimeter wave applications.