V-band Radar Radiometer for Atmospheric Pressure Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for observing atmospheric pressure profiles rely on in situ measurements, leading to sparse data coverage and inaccuracies due to uncertainties from atmospheric temperature, water vapor, clouds, and precipitation, which are not effectively addressed by existing remote sensing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A scanning radar and radiometer combination operating at a V-band between 51 and 71 GHz, using three radar frequencies and passive temperature profiling to estimate atmospheric oxygen absorption, thereby providing high-fidelity retrievals of pressure and temperature profiles, and mitigating errors from non-oxygen sources through differential attenuation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in situ measurements are used to observe atmospheric pressure profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is worsened due to sparse data coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces in situ mechanical measurement systems with electromagnetic radiation-based remote sensing (microwave radiometry and radar). The radiometer detects natural microwave emissions from atmospheric molecules, while the radar transmits microwave pulses and measures backscatter, both enabling pressure profile retrieval without physical contact with the atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single satellite-based platform: the microwave radiometer measures atmospheric emission for temperature and pressure profiles, the radar provides backscatter measurements for surface and atmospheric characterization, and the integration of both systems enables comprehensive atmospheric observation across diverse conditions and locations.
2Productivity
If existing remote sensing techniques are used, then productivity is improved through broader coverage, but measurement precision is worsened due to uncertainties from temperature, water vapor, clouds, and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active radar sensing and passive radiometer sensing into an integrated system. The radiometer measures natural atmospheric microwave emissions that carry information about temperature and pressure profiles, while the radar measures backscatter from atmospheric constituents. By combining these complementary measurements, the system retrieves pressure profiles with reduced uncertainties from confounding factors like water vapor and precipitation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate, high-resolution retrievals of atmospheric pressure profiles, reducing uncertainties and improving data coverage, especially over oceans, by combining active and passive sensor data to correct for atmospheric factors, resulting in improved surface and vertical pressure profile estimates.
Implementation Method 1
The three or more transmitted and received frequencies are used to provide an estimate of atmospheric oxygen absorption in atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
mitigating errors from non-oxygen sources through differential attenuation measurements
Implementation Method 3
The sensor includes a broadband transmitter and one or more receivers with three or more transmitted and received radar frequencies
Implementation Method 4
combining three radar frequency data from the three or more transmitted and received radar frequencies with vertical temperature information
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to scan radar and radiometer combination used to image 3D atmospheric pressure from high altitudes or space. The apparatus includes a microwave sensor configured to operate at a V-band between a range of 51 and 71 GHz, producing high fidelity retrievals of one or more pressure and temperature profiles. The sensor includes a broadband transmitter and one or more receivers with three or more transmitted and received radar frequencies. The three or more transmitted and received frequencies are used to provide an estimate of atmospheric oxygen absorption in atmosphere. The sensor is further configured to provide vertical pressure profiles by combining three radar frequency data from the three or more transmitted and received radar frequencies with vertical temperature information.