Sensitivity of microwave radiometers with square - law and linear detectors

Abstract

Stochastic analysis of modulation microwave radiometers with square - law and linear detectors is presented in the paper. Assuming ideal detector characteristics it is shown that in typical applications, i.e., in very low power measurements, a type of detector used is of no influence on total radiometer sensitivity. Other aspects of use of a particular detector are also presented.

Keywords

• microwave thermograph
• radiometer
• thermal radiation
• sensitivity