Microwave Radiometry
Microwave radiometry involves measuring naturally emitted signals from an object or scene in order to determine properties of the scene observed.
ESL researchers are developing theoretical electromagnetic models to understand microwave radiometer measurements, investigating new radiometer technologies, and supporting the analysis of measured data from airborne and spaceborne radiometers.
An example of work in this area is NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission that includes an L-band microwave radiometer for measuring soil moisture. ESL researchers have supported the design of the radiometer, including its dedicated subsystem for detection and mitigating radio frequency interference.