This project seeks improvement of self-calibrating, thermopile-based, cavity radiometers for use in radiance measurements from earth-viewing satellite instruments. The primary thrust is to improve the response of the device and minimize possible thermal offset signals within the sensor. The approach involves redesign of the thermal impedance of the thermopile element and optimization of the plating technique for the junctions. In addition, the effects of reducing the thermal transients in the heat sink and the baffle-aperture assembly to a minimum will be studied. The design will consider allowing the sensors to be employed in a contiguous array for use in a non-scanning earth radiance instrument.
Potential Commercial Applications:A self-calibrating radiation detector for the infrared and visible regions could complement the firm's present line of precision radiation instruments supplied to worldwide markets.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II
