PRISM-19 (PLMR)
Polarimetric L-Band Multibeam Radiometer
Project Overview
The PLMR
(see Figure 2-3) measures both V and H polarisations using a
single receiver with polarisation switch at incidence angles ±7°,
±21.5° and ±38.5° in either across track (push broom) or along
track configurations. In the normal push broom configuration the
3dB beam width is 17° along track and 14° across track resulting
in an overall 90° across track field of view. The instrument has a
centre frequency of 1.413GHz and bandwidth of 24MHz, with
specified NEDT and accuracy better than 1K for an integration time
of 0.5s, and 1K repeatability over 4 hours. It weighs 46kg and has
a size of 91.5 cm × 91.5 cm × 17.25 cm. Calibrations will be
performed before, during and after each flight. The before and
after flight calibrations are achieved by removing PLMR from the
aircraft and making brightness temperature measurements of a
calibration target and the sky. The in-flight calibration is
accomplished by measuring the brightness temperature of a water
body (Lake Wyangan).
