The Calibration of the 35–40 GHz Solar Radio Spectrometer with the New Moon and a Noise Source

Abstract

Calibrating solar radio flux has always been a concern in the solar community. Previously, fluxes were calibrated by matching load or the new Moon for relative calibration, and at times with the assistance of other stations’ data. Moreover, the frequency coverage seldom exceeded 26 GHz. This paper reports the upgraded and calibrated Chashan Broadband Solar millimeter spectrometer (CBS) working from 35 to 40 GHz at the Chashan Solar Observatory (CSO). Initially, the calibration of the solar radiation brightness temperature is accomplished using the new Moon as the definitive source. Subsequently, the 35–40 GHz standard flux is achieved by establishing the correlation between the solar radio flux, brightness temperature, and frequency. Finally, the calibration of the solar radio flux is implemented by utilizing a constant temperature-controlled noise source as a reference. The calibration in 2023 February and March reveals that the solar brightness temperature is 11,636 K at 37.25 GHz with a standard deviation (STD) of 652 K. The solar radio flux’s intensity is ∼3000–4000 solar flux units (SFU) in the range of 35–40 GHz with a consistency bias of ±5.3%. The system sensitivity is about ∼5–8 SFU by a rough evaluation, a noise factor of about 200 K, and the coefficient of variation of the system transmission slope of 6.5% @ 12 hr at 37.25 GHz. It is expected that the upgraded CBS will capture more activity during the upcoming solar cycle.

Keywords

• Calibration
• Astronomical techniques