Design of a Ka band polarimetric radiometer

In order to develop the capability of conducting more efficient research flights, the University of Massachusetts secured funding from the U.S. Navy to develop a K_a band polarimetric radiometer for future airborne surveys. The design, which is discussed, uses concepts developed as part of the ESTAR thinned array radiometer project, which uses correlation techniques to image terrain at L-Band. This paper discusses the design of the authors´ polarimeter and the development status. The authors also discuss other potential applications other than the measurement of wind direction