Polarimetric passive remote sensing of atmospheric temperature at 60 GHz

Abstract

Strong absorptions due to atmospheric oxygen near 60 GHz provide the means for remote sensing of atmospheric temperature fluctuations that may indicate the presence of disturbances such as high-altitude clear-air turbulence, aircraft wake turbulence, and severe weather. These emissions may be polarized due to the presence of aerosols or possibly some other undetermined cause. This paper describes a radiometer that will remotely sense temperature fluctuations as well as their polarization signatures.