A Liquid-Helium-Cooled Absolute Reference Cold Load forLong-Wavelength Radiometric Calibration
We describe a large (78-cm) diameter liquid-helium-cooled black-body absolute reference cold load for the calibration of microwave radiometers. The load provides an absolute calibration near the liquid helium (LHe) boiling point, accurate to better than 30 mK for wavelengths from 2.5 to 25 cm (12-1.2 GHz). The emission (from non-LHe temperature parts of the cold load) and reflection are small and well determined. Total corrections to the LHe boiling point temperature are {le} 50 mK over the operating range. This cold load has been used at several wavelengths at the South Pole and at the White Mountain Research Station. In operation, the average LHe loss rate was {le} 4.4 l/hr. Design considerations, radiometric and thermal performance and operational aspects are discussed. A comparison with other LHe-cooled reference loads including the predecessor of this cold load is given.
- Research Organization:
- Ernest OrlandoLawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Director, Office of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 892912
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-29007; RSINAK; TRN: US200623%%647
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 63, Issue 1; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 1992; ISSN 0034-6748
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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