Calibration of the Scanning Spectral Polarimeter and Measurement of the Sky Light Polarization.
Abstract
The Scanning Spectral Polarimeter (55 P) measures 6 optical properties: flux, unpolarized radiance, and four polarized radiances (parallel, perpendicular, right hand circular, and left hand circular) through the spectral region from 400 nm - 4000nm. The SSP was designed for the measurement of reflected sunlight and a complete description is provided. This thesis asses the ability of the SSP to measure the clear sky spectral polarization. Initial calibration procedures and results are discussed. Instrument characteristics are provided to include, field of view, transmission function for the diffuse channel, and detector calibration coefficients. A plane polarized radiative transfer model is used to study the effects local conditions have on the sky light polarization. The impacts of changing Rayleigh optical depth, surface albedo, solar position, and haze loading are examined. The 5SF is used to measure the spectral sky light polarization and the results are compared to those values predicted by the model. The SSP can determine sky light polarization to within 10% error with respect to the model predictions and was capable of resolving the effects aerosol scattering and surface reflection have on sky polarization. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 10, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300123
Entities
People
- Vincent T. Ries
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology