A K-BAND MICROWAVE POLARIMETER
Date
1987-12
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Microwave radars are currently being used to examine the backscattering properties of agricultural crops. A multi-band frequency-modulated scatterometer system is in use at the University of Saskatchewan for this purpose. The scatterometer provides only partial information regarding the polarization state of the scattered signals, yet full polarization information would assist in the study of the scattering process. This thesis documents
the conversion of one of the scatterometer's transceivers to a polarimeter capable of measuring the complete polarization state.
Some theoretical ramifications of frequency-modulated polarimetry are analyzed, and it is shown that polarization information is available at the intermediate frequency sections of a
frequency-modulated scatterometer.
Techniques for extracting the polarization information are discussed, and circuitry to provide this information is added to the scatterometer. The results of testing the polarimeter both in the laboratory and in the field are presented. Several problem areas are identified and discussed including the effects of non-simultaneous channel sampling, channel to channel filter frequency response mismatches, the performance of linear power detection circuitry and the effects of internally generated reflections.
Sample results from the polarimetric characterization of a field of wheat are presented for two different days within the growing season.
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Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program
Electrical Engineering