Calibration of the MIRAS Radiometers

Abstract

The microwave imaging radiometer with aperture synthesis (MIRAS) is formed by 69 total power radiometers, of which three are the noise-injection type. Their calibration is reviewed on the basis of the data gathered during more than eight years of operation. Internally calibrated gain and offset corrections with improved temporal stability are presented. New front-end loss characterization with lower seasonal dependence originated from external temperature swings is also proposed. Finally, a methodology to validate the external calibrations, with the instrument pointing to the cold sky, is developed. It seems to indicate that the change of orientation of the instrument, with associated thermal variations, may induce small changes in the radiometer front-end losses, thus introducing calibration errors.