High resolution remote sensing of particles and aerosols in the W-band (92–100 GHz)

The interaction between W-band radiation and particles and/or aerosols is very important for imaging and remote sensing applications. The reflectance and back scattering of such media are important parameters in the design of active and passive W-band imaging and remote sensing. In order to investigate those parameters we designed and constructed a unique W-band spectroscopic system operating at 92-100 GHz. The system is based upon two parabolic mirrors, two diagonal mirrors, a high power high resolution continuous wave tunable W-band source, and a unique detector. The spectrometer is fully computerized. In order to investigate the interaction with particles we prepared unique samples. The samples were prepared from polyethylene powder mixed with known percentage of 44 μm stainless steel particles. The mixture was heated to about 2000C and 100 mm sample plate was extracted. Samples with different percentage of stainless steel particles were prepared as well as a reference pure polyethylene plate keeping the same volume for all samples. Reflection function measurements of those samples are presented in this work. Back scattering measurements will be carried out in the future.