NIMBUS-ERB instrument study

Abstract

Characterization studies were performed on flight spare ERB wide field of view Earth flux sensors. Field of view sensitivity profiles were determined for total energy sensors with and without painted baffles. Similarly, sensors with filter domes were also characterized in terms of field of view. The transient response of sensors with filter domes was determined for both long wave and short wave radiation. Long wave radiation interacts directly with the quartz dome causing undesired responses. While short wave radiation was shown not to interact with the domes, modules as a whole exhibited a secondary response to bursts of short wave radiation indicative of a heating mechanism. How the results of this characterization can or should be applied to the data emanating from these sensors on ERB-6 and 7 is outlined.