The radar radiometer

Abstract

Addition of a radar to a scanning microwave radiometer is shown to be simple and to consume little power. Since both the radar and the radiometer receive signals having the statistical properties of noise, both receivers may use the Dicke synchronous detection system, provided the radar receives enough independent samples. Application of the combined instrument to spacecraft measurement both of oceanic winds and waves and of precipitation has more promise than the use of either instrument alone, since they can, in part, calibrate each other. An aircraft imaging radar radiometer has potential for applications where superposition of the thermal radiometer image on a relatively static radar image will aid in interpretation.