EMISAR: an absolutely calibrated polarimetric L- and C-band SAR

Abstract

Abstract-EMISAR is a high-resolution (2 2 2 2 2 m), fully polarimetric, dual-frequency (L-and C-band) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system designed for remote-sensing applications. The SAR is operated at high altitudes on a Gulfstream G-3 jet aircraft. The system is very well calibrated and has low sidelobes and low cross-polar contamination. Digital technology has been utilized to realize a flexible and highly stable radar with variable resolution, swath width, and imaging geometry. Thermal control and several calibration loops have been built into the system to ensure system stability and absolute calibration. Accurately measured antenna gains and radiation patterns are included in the calibration. The processing system is developed to support data calibration, which is the key to most of the current applications. Recent interferometric enhancements are important for many scientific applications.

Signatures of polarimetric parameters and their implications on land cover classification

“…The data set used in this paper is from the Danish dualfrequency, fully polarimetric, airborne SAR system, EMISAR [8]. In 1998 a data set was acquired at the Foulum agricultural test site with multi-temporal acquisitions spanning the entire growing season, with simultaneous C-and L-band acquisitions on April 17 th , May 20 th , June 16 th , and July 15 th .…”

P-sounder: an airborne P-band ice sounding radar

“…Based on very good experience with the airborne EMISAR system [11], the internal calibration is carried out with the same signal as used during normal operation and with a signal path that differs only with respect to stable, passive units like the antenna, which can be characterized prior to the flight.…”

POLARIS: ESA's airborne ice sounding radar front-end design, performance assessment and first results

“…Based on DTU´s experience with the airborne EMISAR system [7], the internal calibration is implemented by toggling the switches SW1 and SW2 in order to loop the generated pulses around the system.…”