Detecting RFI using microwave radiometers

Generally the disturbing effect of an unintentionally received electromagnetic signal is called radio frequency interference (RFI). Since microwave radiometers are the most sensitive devices for the detection and monitoring of electromagnetic radiation they are highly susceptible for any interference signal. Such signals can be produced by different sources and they can enter the radiometer system on many ways. Hence a global theoretical estimation of RFI impacts is difficult. Consequently this paper intends to show the impact by different experimental observations. Following an introduction to the problem and a rough theoretical estimate of critical power levels, various practical results for RFI occurrence are shown.