Design Considerations for Polarimetric Radars to Measure Backscatter from Hydrometeors

Abstract

The measurement of backscatter from hydrometeors imposes specific requirements on polarimetric radar systems and components. We begin with an overview of the target characteristics. We describe the measurable quantities pertinent to each of several measurement schemes and present estimates of the accuracy with which these quantities should be measured. We discuss the required characteristics of a radar designed to measure the specified quantities. Our primary focus is on measurement schemes employing orthogonal basis vectors. We discuss briefly the tolerable error levels of schemes involving non-orthogonal basis vectors. Reprints.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 21, 1990
Accession Number
ADA225979

Entities

People

  • James I. Metcalf
  • James S. Ussailis

Organizations

  • Air Force Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Antennas
  • Backscattering
  • Bandwidth
  • Circular Polarization
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Depolarization
  • Engineering
  • Hydrometeors
  • Measurement
  • Meteorological Radar
  • Polarization
  • Polarizers
  • Radar
  • Radar Equipment
  • Scattering
  • Standing Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Systems Analysis and Design